Monday, November 20th, 2023.- The first gold medal of this Monday's Para powerlifting session went to Brazil. Ailton Bento de Souza, the representative of the South American giant, was the best in the Parapan American Games in the -80-kilogram category with a score of 183 (183, null and null).

The silver medal went to Mexican Martín Pérez with 172 (null, 170, 172). The bronze medal was awarded to Chilean Jonathan Astudillo with 165 (null, 165, null).

It's worth noting that Para powerlifting is open to athletes with one or more of the eight possible disabilities: 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 extended arms, the lifter waits for the referee's signal with elbows closed and the bar under control before proceeding with the lift.

This Monday's Para powerlifting events continue at the Gimnasio Chimkowe in Peñalolén with medal contests in the Female -86kg, +86kg, Male -88kg, Female -50kg, -55kg, and Male -65kg categories.

Written by Marcelo González; translated by Pía Barriga Ferry / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Javier Valdés / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport