Saturday, November 18th, 2023.- The gold medal in Para Powerlifting in the -73kg -79kg category, contested this Saturday afternoon, ended up in the hands of the Brazilian athlete Mariana D’Andrea.

At the Gimnasio Chimkowe in Peñalolén, the São Paulo-born athlete emerged as the best in this series at the Parapan American Games, achieving a result of 141 (130, 135, 141, and null).

In second place, earning the silver medal, was fellow Brazilian Caroline Fernandes Alvez, with a total of 117 (113, 117, and null). The podium was completed by Dominican athlete Josefina Zoraida Miliano, securing the bronze medal with 116 (112, 116, and null).

Previously, the winners in two series were Colombian Ana Lucía Pinto (in -61kg with a result of 109) and Brazilian Lucas Galvao dos Santos (in -49kg with a result of 150).

It's worth noting that Para Powerlifting is open to athletes with one or more of the eight possible impairments: muscle strength impairment, range of motion impairment, limb deficiency, leg length difference, short stature, hypertonia, ataxia, or athetosis.

During competition, athletes lie on their backs on a specially designed bench. After taking or receiving the bar with arms fully extended, the lifter awaits the referee's signal with closed elbows and the bar under control to proceed with the lift.

The Saturday session of Para Powerlifting continues with competitions in Male -59kg, Female -41kg, and Male -72kg.

Written by Marcelo González; translated by Pía Barriga / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Pablo Bigorra / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport