Friday, November 3rd, 2023.- Isai Rodríguez's performance in the 10,000 meters at Santiago 2023 was simply spectacular. The American athlete initiated a breakaway at the start of the race and maintained it until the end, distancing himself further and further from his competitors, who couldn't even come close to challenging him.

The athlete from Oklahoma State achieved a time of 28'17''84, very close to the Pan American record held by the Mexican José Galván (28'08''74) since Rio de Janeiro 2007. At some point, it seemed like he might have a chance to surpass it due to the impressive pace he had, but he couldn't maintain it in the final laps.

In addition to the 25-year-old runner's victory, the United States secured the silver medal, thanks to Samuel Chelenga (29'01''21), whom he left more than half a lap behind. The athlete of Kenyan origin entered the continental competition with the best time of the season (27'38''02), but he fell far short of repeating it at the National Stadium.

The third place went to the independent athlete Alberto González (29'12''24). The Guatemalan had a close battle with the Chilean Carlos Díaz (29'22''54), from which he gained an advantage in the final part of the race.

There were higher expectations for the local contender, considering he had the second-best time of 2023, with 27'58''97. He couldn't replicate Jaime Correa, the only Chilean who has stepped onto the Pan American podium in the 10,000 meters, with his bronze in Mexico City in 1955.

In fifth place, Puerto Rican Héctor Pagan arrived (29'29''22), a surprising result given that he had the worst record of the year among the finalists.

He surpassed the Mexican Marcelo Laguera (29'29''48), another athlete from whom more was expected this Friday, given his track record.

Written by Felipe Hurtado H.; translated by Andrés Castro / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Felipe Quintana / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport