Friday, November 17th, 2023.- The first Parapan American Games hosted in Chile are generating significant attention in the country, following the recent debut of the Pan American Games in the South American nation.

There will be great focus on some noteworthy figures who have arrived in Chile to showcase their talents.
One of them is the Brazilian swimmer Gabriel Araújo, who will renew an old rivalry with Chilean Alberto Abarza.

"Gabrielzinho," as he is also known, is 21 years old and will be one of the athletes to watch from November 18th to 24th at the Centro Acuático at the Parque Estadio Nacional. He has a handful of records and medals backing his name.

He began swimming in school, and his achievements are remarkable: he holds two Paralympic gold medals and one silver, along with various world records and medals.

At Lima 2019, he won two gold medals (50 meters freestyle and 100 meters freestyle), one silver (200 meters freestyle), and two bronzes (50 meters backstroke and 50 meters butterfly). This earned him recognition from the Legislative Assembly of the State of Minas Gerais.

From Argentina comes the tennis player Gustavo Fernández, 29 years old, a Cordoban who is the leading figure in his discipline with numerous achievements. He will compete for a medal at the Estadio Nacional. He won gold at the Parapan American Games Guadalajara 2011 and Toronto 2015, reaching the world number one in 2017.

He has clinched five Grand Slam singles titles: Roland Garros 2016 and 2019, Australian Open 2017 and 2019, and Wimbledon 2019. In doubles, he has three major titles: Wimbledon 2015 with Frenchman Nicolas Peifer and Roland Garros 2019 and Wimbledon 2022 with Japanese player Shingo Kunieda.

Peru shines with Pilar Jáuregui, 35 years old, a representative in Para badminton who previously played wheelchair basketball. She was the ambassador and host at Lima 2019, where she also won a gold medal in her home country. She is a serious contender for her country to win gold, with her sights set on the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

From El Salvador, the spotlight is on Para powerlifter Herbert Aceituno, 38 years old, the flag bearer of his country, considered a hero for his achievements. He won a bronze medal at the recent Tokyo Paralympic Games in the -59 kg category.

At Lima 2019, he also secured the top spot and was chosen as the "Best Male Athlete" among all athletes at that continental event. He has also medaled in Paralympic World Cups and Paracentral American Games.

At Santiago 2023, the Salvadoran will aim for the gold medal to bring him closer to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Written by Marcelo González; translated by Pía Barriga / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Karín Pozo / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport