Thursday, November 2nd, 2023.- In a nail-biting finish that stretched to the last meters, Brazilian athlete Miguel Lopes Hidalgo pulled off a surprise victory and won the gold medal in the male's triathlon at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games. The event took place on Thursday on the beaches and hills of Viña del Mar, 130 kilometers west of the Chilean capital.

The athlete from São Paulo, who had previously won the last edition of the Junior Pan American Games in Colombia in 2021 and the Odesur Games in Asunción in 2022, ended the dominance of the two-time Pan American champion, Mexican Crisanto Grajales, who finished in third place. Hidalgo edged out American Matthew McElroy in a thrilling finish on the streets of Viña del Mar.

Grajales, 36 years old, stumbled less than a kilometer from the finish line, losing his lead to the young Hidalgo (22). They both fought for the top spot with McElroy (33) in the final meters, but Hidalgo managed to prevail in a sprint that captivated the thousands of spectators who came to watch the event in the renowned resort town of the Valparaíso Region.

In the individual segments, Chilean Diego Moya started in the lead during the 1,500 meters of swimming, but he quickly surrendered the top position during the 40 kilometers of cycling. This cycling route was full of twists and turns, ups and downs, and it even included a pass by the Palacio Presidencial at the Cerro Castillo. Moya ultimately finished in eighth place, while Gaspar Riveros finished in sixth place.

The ten-kilometer run saw Hidalgo, Grajales, and McElroy leading the way, with the Brazilian runner providing a surprising victory.

Written by Gonzalo Pérez y Nicolás Olea; translated by Pía Barriga / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Dedvi Missene / Santiago 2023 via Photosport