Monday, October 23rd.- Agustina Varas had previously stated that the women's jump would be the event where she aimed to secure Chile's first gold medal in Santiago 2023. The decisive day of water skiing, held at Laguna Los Morros in San Bernardo, attracted an expectant crowd. 

Although she faced the reigning world champion Regina Jaquess, the young global champion in the Under-21 category had the attributes to contend for the top spot. She demonstrated this in the first round with a distance of 49.4 meters, immediately putting her ahead of the four competitors in the finals. 

However, American Jaquess had something better prepared and outperformed her by 40 centimeters, making it clear that it was a two-way battle. The second jump would determine the Pan American gold medalist in a suspenseful finale. 

The Chilean took the lead with a jump of 50.2 meters. But Jaquess had one last chance: a registration error allowed the Santa Rosa Beach native to repeat her second attempt, and she seized the opportunity. With a measurement of 52.2 meters, she ultimately secured the gold medal and also the overall title, having previously won in the slalom. 

Agustina Varas had to settle for second place after celebrating the gold for a few minutes, an achievement that the seasoned Jaquess prevented her from attaining. The United States has accumulated 54 medals, including 27 gold, while Chile has added its sixth silver medal, bringing its total to ten medals. 

Written by Nicolás Olea; translated Rocio Rojas* / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Ph: Juan Carlos Romo / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport