Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023.- Chilean athlete Mauricio Esteban Orrego secured victory in the T46 class 1,500 meters (physical disability in upper limbs) with a time of 4’12’’50, holding off the late charge from American Tahmar Upshaw, who clocked 4’12’’96. 

The bronze medal went to Ecuadorian Bryan Muguicha (4’16’’67). 

The local runner entered the race as the favorite, boasting the best qualifying time among the seven Para athletes. 

This marks the 12th medal for Chile, the first at the Centro Atlético Mario Recordón, reaffirming this edition as the country's best ever participation at the Parapan American Games. 

Orrego also successfully defended the gold medal he won at Lima 2019. 

Explaining his race strategy, he said, "I chose to wait, see how the race unfolded, study every moment. At a certain point, when I was falling behind, I knew I had to speed up. In the last 500 meters, I knew there was a North American competitor who was very good, very fast, and I had to pull away as soon as possible. Thank God, everything worked out.” 

In the female's T11 1,500 meters, Mexican athlete Diana Laura Coraza won the gold medal with a time of 5’17’’22. Her compatriot Johana Alejandrina Ramos took silver with a time of 5’25’’49, while the bronze went to Irene Suárez with a time of 5’35’’93. 

Written by Ernesto Bustos B. - Macarena Navias – Paula Vivanco; translated by Rocio Rojas / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Marcelo Hernández / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport