Saturday 4th November 2023.- José Antonio Maita of Venezuela claimed the gold medal in the 800 meters with a time of 1'45''69, securing his country's third gold medal in athletics at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.

The Caribbean athlete, whose previous best was a South American bronze, delivered a remarkable surprise by making a strong finish, moving from fifth place to win the race. He overtook Mexican Jesús Tonatiu López (1'46''04) and Jamaican Navasky Anderson (1'46''40) just before the finish line, who took the silver and bronze medals, respectively.

Anderson had been the fastest in the qualifying heats and had recently achieved the time that qualified him for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (1'44''70).

López, the Mexican, entered the Santiago 2023 final as the reigning champion of the Central American and Caribbean Games, making him one of the top contenders along with the Jamaican.

However, Maita defied the odds to become the new Pan American champion.

With this gold medal in the 800 meters, the Venezuelan athlete secured his country's third gold in athletics, following the victories of Joselyn Brea in the 1,500 meters and 5,000 meters.

Written by Marcelo López; translated by Paulette Bertín/Photosport
Photo by Karin Pozo/Santiago 2023 / Photosport