Saturday, November 18th, 2023.- Brazilian athlete Lara de Lima clinched the gold medal in the 41-kilogram category after lifting 103 kg (96, 100, 102, and 103) and set a new Pan American record at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games.

In her final attempt, De Lima lifted 103 kilograms, surpassing the 90 kg mark achieved by Cuban athlete Leidy Rodríguez at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games, and incidentally surpassing the American record held by Venezuelan Clara Fuentes (100 kg) since September 2022.

The silver medal in the competition held at the Gimnasio Chimkowe in Peñalolén went to Ecuador's Kerly Lascano, with 100 kg (92, 95, and 100), while the bronze was earned by Colombia's Cristina Poblador, with 96 kg (93, 96, and no lift).

"I am very happy for this achievement, which belongs to my entire team, especially my three coaches. It's been many years of effort, pain, and this is a reward for all of that. I hope to achieve much more. I want to enjoy this victory with my family and continue winning in this sport, which is my life," commented Lara de Lima.

Para powerlifting is performed lying on a bench, maneuvering a chest press. It involves Para athletes with physical disabilities: male and female with short stature, amputations, or limitations in leg strength or flexibility, competing based on weight.

Written by Marcelo López-Nicolás Bravo; translated by Vicente Valdivia / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Pablo Bigorra / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport