Sunday, November 19th, 2023.- 

In the -107kg, +107kg category of Para powerlifting, American athlete Bobby Body secured the gold medal and set a new Parapan American record by lifting 228 kilograms, totaling 136.36 points. 

With this lift at Santiago 2023, the North American surpassed the records set by Mexican athlete José Castillo (226 kg) in the -107 kg category and Colombian athlete Freddy Castañeda (220 kg) in the +107 kg category, both achieved at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games. 

"My emotions are at their peak because it's not very common to hear your country's anthem at a Parapan American event. I am extremely proud of everything we've trained for, and everything we've done, and the hard work we've put in to be here," commented Body. 

The American weightlifter, who lifted 216, 223, 228, and missed in his fourth attempt, was particularly "delighted" to compete in front of a large crowd that gathered at the Gimnasio Chimkowe in Peñalolén. "I'm not used to competing in front of such large crowds, so I get motivated by the crowd, that's why I tried to involve them, because it excites me and I push myself harder." 

The silver medal in the -107kg, +107kg Para powerlifting category went to Matheus de Assis from Brazil, with 126.9 points (207, missed attempt, and 215), while the bronze was earned by Mexican athlete José Castillo, with 122.9 points (200, missed attempt, and 208). 

Para powerlifting involves lying on a bench and maneuvering a bench press. It is for athletes with physical disabilities: males and females with short stature, amputations, or limitations in leg strength or flexibility, and they compete based on weight. 



Written by Marcelo López-Nicolás Bravo; translated by Vicente Valdivia / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport 
Ph: Pablo Bigorra / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport