Monday, October 23rd.- Excitement once again erupted at the Laguna Grande in San Pedro de La Paz, the venue for rowing at the Pan American Games Santiago 2023 . This time, the spotlight was on the Cuban team, which won the gold in the male's eight with a coxswain and reaffirmed their status as world leaders after the difficulties they faced earlier in the male's four short sculls. 

The Caribbean team had issues with the rudder and couldn't defend their Pan American title, finishing in a disappointing sixth place. However, their redemption came hours later with victory in the final of the male eight with a coxswain. The crew consisted of Roberto Paz, Luis José León, Henry Heredia, Francisco Romero, Andrey Barnet, Leduar Suárez, Carlos Ajete, Reidy Cardonda, and Juan Carlos González. 

The Cuban octet led throughout the two thousand meters of the race, constantly challenged by Uruguay and Chile. They secured first place with a time of 5:37.89, just half a second ahead of the teams from Uruguay and Chile, who took silver and bronze, respectively. The United States, Argentina, and Mexico completed the rankings. 

With this achievement, the team composed of Óscar Vásquez, Marcelo Poo, Brahim Alvayay, Francisco Lapostol, Alfredo Abraham, Ignacio Abraham, Nahuel Reyes, Andoni Habash, and Isidora Soto secured the third bronze for Chile, following the successes of Claudia Gallardo in taekwondo -67 kg and Aranza Villalón in road cycling time trial. 

Meanwhile, Cuba's gold medal propelled them ahead of Venezuela in the medal standings, allowing them to share the fifth position in the Pan American Games ranking with Colombia. Uruguay also secured its third medal, while this marked Chile's ninth medal. 

Written by Nicolás Olea; translated by Vicente Valdivia / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Ph: Marco Vazquez / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport