Luis Benítez Enters the Dominican Republic Sports Hall of Fame
The renowned athlete Luis Benítez, Pan American champion and key figure in Dominican taekwondo, will be honored with his induction into the Dominican Sports Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025.
Benítez, who marked a milestone by being the first Dominican to obtain a gold medal in taekwondo at the Pan American Games, after his victory in Santo Domingo 2003, will join a select group of legends of his discipline.
This recognition will be shared with Iván Tejeda (2008), Ramón Smith (2016) and Gabriel Mercedes (2021), who have been pillars of Dominican taekwondo in the national sports arena.
The announcement of the selection of the athlete from Santiago, born on December 5, 1981, was made by Dr. Dionisio Guzmán, president and spokesperson for the Dominican Sports Hall of Fame.
Benítez’s exaltation ceremony will take place during the 59th Exaltation Ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, November 16, 2025, in the auditorium of the Hall of Fame, located in the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center.
The event will be chaired by businessman Manuel Estrella, who will act as Honorary President of the Ceremony, bringing together prominent figures from national and international sports.
Before his victory in 2003, Luis Benítez had already made history for the country by winning the silver medal at the 1999 Winnipeg Pan American Games, being the first Dominican to achieve a continental podium in taekwondo.
During that final, Benítez suffered an injury to the cruciate ligament of his right knee, but continued competing against the American Steven López. His bravery and determination in that fight are remembered as an example of dedication and national pride.
Class of 2025: Dominican Sports Figures
The Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will also include outstanding athletes from various disciplines, such as:
- Gonzalo Mejía (tennis) and Beato Miguel Cruz (volleyball), as promoters of the sport.
- Baseball players José Reyes, José Offerman, and Edwin Encarnación.
- Joan Guzmán (boxing), Charlie Villanueva (basketball), Francia Jackson (volleyball), Rubel Salomón (karate) and Juan Carlos Jacinto (judo).
