Saturday, Oct 21st.- The Gimnasio Chimkowe in Peñalolén was the chosen venue for the weightlifting discipline in the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, and it has already awarded its first medals.

Early in the day, weightlifting crowned its first champion when Cuban athlete Arley Calderón won the gold in the 61-kilogram category by lifting a total of 279 kilograms in the clean and jerk and snatch. The silver medal went to Mexican Víctor Guemez, and the bronze to Peruvian Luis Bardales.

Then, the excitement moved to the women's competition in the 49-kilogram category. Dahiana Ortiz from the Dominican Republic lived up to the expectations and secured the gold for the Caribbean island.

Ortiz, the junior Pan American record holder, displayed her strength in the southeastern Santiago sector, winning with a total Olympic lift of 190 kilograms.

The Dominican athlete faced tough competition from Venezuelan Katherin Echandia, who was the crowd's favorite at the Gimnasio Chimkowe and finished second after lifting 189 kilograms. Meanwhile, the bronze medal also went to the Dominican Republic, with Beatriz Pirón taking third place with 181 kilograms.

One of the big surprises of the competition was Chile's Katherine Landeros, who, backed by the fervent support of the local fans, finished in sixth place with 159 kilograms.

Written by Carlos Silva Rojas; translated by Rocio Rojas* / Photosport
Photo: Nicolas Abalo / Santiago 2023 villa Photosport