Santana's interest in weightlifting was sparked by her uncle's encouragement. She quickly took to the sport and began training under national coaches Hector Dominguez, Moreno Martinez, and Luis Silva. Her early start and strong support system have been crucial to her success.

Achievements and Recognition

One of Santana's most memorable achievements is winning medals at the world championships in 2017 and 2018. She was named the 2018 Athlete of the Year by the Sports Journalists' Association of Santo Domingo. In 2017, she was recognised as the Best Dominican Weightlifter by both the Dominican Republic Olympic Committee and the Sports Journalists' Association of Santo Domingo.

Challenges and Injuries

Santana faced a significant challenge when she injured her arm at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. Despite being taken to a local medical centre, it was confirmed that she had not sustained a fracture. This incident did not deter her from continuing her pursuit of excellence in weightlifting.

Family Influence and Support

Santana comes from a family of international weightlifters representing the Dominican Republic. Her aunt Yuderqui Contreras competed at multiple Olympic Games, while her uncle Victor Reina competed at the 2004 Pan American Championships. Her cousins Beatriz, Jhon, and Ana have also competed at international levels.

Philosophy and Motivation

Santana's sporting philosophy revolves around sacrifice and support from her family. She believes that being away from family is a huge sacrifice but is made bearable with their words of encouragement and motivation. This support helps her move forward to achieve her goals.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Santana aims to win a medal at the upcoming Olympic Games. Her determination and past successes indicate that she is well on her way to achieving this goal.

Santana's journey in weightlifting is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and strong family support. As she continues to train and compete, she remains an inspiration for aspiring athletes in the Dominican Republic and beyond.