Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023.- Mexican Karla Manuel won the bronze medal in boccia at the 2023 Santiago Parapan American Games, defeating Chilean Alfonsina Urrejola, one of the crowd's favorites who filled the Centro Deportivo y Comunitario Lo Espejo in the southern zone in every session. 

The BC4 category's decision favored the Mexican with a 7-2 score after a strong start that put her in a 5-0 lead. "I feel very proud because it has not been an easy road for any of us. This bronze means a lot; it's an emotion I had never experienced before. I had never won a medal in a Parapan American Games," appreciated the North American athlete. 

In the BC2 category, the victory went to the Ecuadorian Joselyn León with a narrow 3-2 triumph over the Canadian Kristyn Collins. "It was a very tight match, but I finally did it. Let's go, Ecuador! In the end, I felt anxious, but I managed to control myself. I took a deep breath, had calmness and patience, and yes, it was possible," pointed out the happy winner. 

Argentinian Luis Cristaldo celebrated his third place in BC2 after defeating the Salvadoran Mario Sayes (5-2). "I am very happy with the medal; it was one of the objectives. The tournament's balance is that there was a high level because there were competitors among the top five in the world, so it could have been anyone," valued the champion of the last Boccia World Championship held in Rio de Janeiro in 2022. 

Finally, the clash between Canadians for the BC4 bronze went to Iulian Ciobanu, who defeated Marco Dispaltro 5-3. 



Written by Rodrigo Parragué y Nicolás Olea; translated by Pía Barriga Ferry / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport 
Ph: Javier Valdés / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport