Sunday, November 19th, 2023.- Following the initial days of trials, the impression that Brazil came to the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games to achieve as many victories as possible persists, a trend that is being repeated in Para swimming held at the Centro de Deportes Acuáticos at the Estadio Nacional. 

In the first final of the afternoon, Brazilian Gabriel Bandeira emerged victorious in the 100 meters backstroke S14 (a category for swimmers with intellectual disabilities) with a time of 58.79 seconds, setting a new Parapan American record. 

The silver medal was claimed by Colombian Juan García (1:02.65), while the bronze went to Canadian Tyson MacDonald (1:03.57). 

Next was the turn for the same event in the female's category, where once again a representative from the South American giant prevailed, thanks to the triumph of Ana Soares, who stopped the clock at 1:09.96. 

The second place went to Mexican Citili Salinas (1:12.57), while the bronze was secured by Canadian Emma van Dyk, with 1:13.34. 

Subsequently, the fastest finals of the program arrived, with Brazil celebrating again. In the 50 meters backstroke S5 (a category for swimmers with moderately limited movement or coordination in the whole body), the champion was Samuel da Silva, clocking 34.96 seconds, also achieving a new Parapan American record. 

The silver medal went to Colombian Kevin Moreno (40.20 seconds), while the bronze was claimed by Brazilian Tiago de Oliveira (41.49 seconds). 

In the female's division of the same category, the winning country changed, thanks to the victory of Colombian Mariana Guerrero, who, with her time of 46.06 seconds, also set a record for the event. 

The silver was secured by Mexican Karina Hernández (49.19 seconds), and the bronze went to another Colombian swimmer, Gabriela Oviedo (50.45 seconds). 

Written by Carlos Silva Rojas - Fernanda Pavez; translated by Vicente Valdivia / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Ph: Marcelo Hernández / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport