Tuesday, october 24nd, 2023.- The stands of the Gimnasio Chimkowe were packed on Tuesday as Chilean fans didn't want to miss the final day of weightlifting at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago.

The last category of the day was the female’s +81 kilograms, where the current silver medalist from the 2023 Riyadh Weightlifting World Championships, Mary Theisen-Lappen, claimed the top spot on the podium.

Representing the United States, Mary had an outstanding day in the Peñalolén commune of Santiago, achieving a total Olympic lift of 277 kilograms, with 120 kilograms in the snatch and 157 kilograms in the clean and jerk.

The second place, and therefore the silver medal, went to Ecuadorian lifter Lisseth Ayoví, who lifted 119 kilograms in the snatch and 157 kilograms in the clean and jerk, totaling 276 kilograms, just one kilogram less than the champion.

The bronze medal went to the weightlifter from the Dominican Republic, Crismery Santana, who achieved a total of 267 kilograms, with 117 kilograms in the snatch and 150 kilograms in the clean and jerk.

A special mention goes to the local athlete, Arantzazu Pavez, who finished in seventh place with a total Olympic lift of 233 kilograms, including 105 kilograms in the snatch and 128 kilograms in the clean and jerk. Her performance earned her a spot in the Junior Weightlifting World Championships, which will take place in Spain in November.

Written by Carlos Silva Rojas - Rodrigo Parragué; translated by Andrés Castro / Photosport
Photo by Luis Hidalgo/Santiago 2023 / Photosport