Monday, October 30th.- One week before the conclusion of the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, the United States continues to lead the medal table and strengthen its sporting prowess. 

In open water swimming, held at Laguna Los Morros, located about 20 kilometers south of the Chilean capital city, American Brennan Gravley claimed the gold medal. Gravley achieved a total time of 1:50:23.4, while in the female competition, Ashley Twichell was the best with a time of 1:57:16.4. 

In slalom canoeing, which took place at Río Aconcagua, the United States once again secured gold medals in the K1 category for both male and female athletes, awarding Evy Leibfarth and Joshua Joseph, respectively. 

In the same discipline, Brazil dominated with more podium finishes, accumulating a total of six medals, including three gold and three silver. The standout performer for Brazil was Ana Satila, who claimed victory in the female C1 and K1 events. 

Female road cycling also awarded gold to the United States, with Lauren Stephens winning the medal after completing the 105-kilometer race on an urban circuit through the streets of the Chilean capital. The American athlete clinched the event with a time of 2:51:05. 

In male and female tennis, Brazil secured the gold and bronze medals, respectively. Laura Pigossi defeated Argentine Maria Lourdes Carlé in two sets, while Thiago Monteiro did the same with Gustavo Heid, winning in three sets. 

Judo was another discipline where Brazil reaffirmed its Pan American dominance. In the competition held at the Centro de Deportes de Contacto del Estadio Nacional, Brazilian Gabriel Falcao defeated his compatriot Daniel Borges in the -70 kg category, as the match didn't take place due to the latter's injury. It's worth noting that Brazil is a powerhouse in this sport of Japanese origin, accumulating 10 medals, including six gold, one silver, and three bronze. 

Equestrian Eventing also rewarded a representative of Brazil. Marcio Carvalho added another silver medal, and in the team competition, the South American representation secured the bronze, finishing behind Canada and the United States, respectively. 

Finally, in the handball final, Brazil convincingly defeated Argentina with a score of 30-18 and claimed the gold medal. 

With this, the United States continues to lead the medal standings with a total of 163 medals (68 gold), while Mexico is in second place with 88 (35 first-place finishes). Brazil is now third with 87 (34 gold), displacing Canada to the fourth position with 98 medals (33 gold). 

Chile, the host country, is in the seventh position, with a total of 32 medals, including five gold, 15 silver, and 12 bronze. 

Written by Ernesto Bustos B; translated by Rocio Rojas / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Ph: Javier Valdés / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport