🏋️ The story of Arley Méndez
The journey of Arley Méndez , current representative of Team Chile , is much more than a sporting career: it's an inspiring tale of overcoming difficulties, setbacks, and rebirth . At 31 years old, his life in weightlifting has been marked by extreme decisions, historic achievements, and a transformative inner journey.
🌍 From Cuba to Chile: forging a world champion
Born in Cuba, Arley emigrated to Chile in search of a new opportunity. There, he reached the pinnacle of weightlifting .
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🥇 World Champion in 2017 and 2018
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🏆 Double Pan American Champion
But everything changed after Tokyo 2020 ...
🎌 Tokyo 2020: The breaking point
“Tokyo caught me at a very bad time. Arley wasn't in the right frame of mind… I had a terrible time. But now I know that was exactly what was meant to happen.”
This is what Arley confessed in a conversation with Joaquín Castro , from the ILUS Fitness communications team.
Her experience at the Olympic Games was devastating. She considered retirement. But that dark moment was the catalyst for a physical and mental rebirth .
🏠 Santiago 2023: Return with pride
With renewed conviction, Arley returned to compete internationally in Santiago 2023 , with the pride of doing so at home and the support of those who believed in him when he needed it most.
💪 ILUS Fitness: more than a sponsor, a vital boost
“ILUS gave life to Arley Méndez”
“I want to highlight what good people they are. They helped me when my back was on the ground and no one was taking any chances with me… ILUS gave life to Arley Méndez.”
During the rebuilding phase, ILUS Fitness was a key pillar . Today, Arley trains in Ancud, in a gym equipped by ILUS , and has collaborated with the brand to develop a custom-made barbell exclusively for weightlifting .
This connection demonstrates how a brand can truly contribute to high performance , not just with products, but with human support.
🎙️ On the ILUS Podcast: a message to those facing adversity
“The advice I can give is to believe in yourself and move forward, strong and positive.”
This is how he closed his participation in The ILUS Fitness Podcast , leaving a mark not only as an athlete, but as an inspiring person.
🇨🇱 Arley Méndez heading to the Pan American Games in Cali
Currently, Arley is preparing in Colombia to face a new challenge: the Pan American Specific Weightlifting Championship , competing with the best on the continent, including Olympic medalist Yeison “Goku” López .
🧭 Chilean delegation in Cali 2025:
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Li Joo Hu (Kratos)
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Macarena García (Metropolitan)
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Constanza Celis (Melipilla)
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Arantzazu Pavéz (Metropolitan)
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Benjamin Torres (Dynamis)
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Benjamin Aranis (Cañete)
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Alonso Bizama (Cañete)
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Arley Méndez (Ancud)
🙌 From ILUS Fitness…
We wish you every success!
We will continue to support our athletes with the conviction that:
