Monday, November 20th, 2023.- The tatami of the Centro de Deportes de Contacto at the Parque Estadio Nacional has become a blessed stage for Brazil in the judo events of Santiago 2023. The South American giant has already secured four gold medals and has the potential to increase it to seven in the afternoon session, marking the conclusion of the martial arts competitions in the Parapan American Games. 

The Brazilian judokas have already ensured one gold and one silver, as Arthur Calvacante, a bronze medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, and Marcelo de Azevedo will face off in the final of the -90 kg category, having defeated Americans Richard Ties and Benjamin Goodrich, respectively. 

Next, Meg Rodrigues will take on Sheyla Hernández from Cuba in the +70 kg category, followed by the world champion Willians Silva against Yordani Fernández from the same island in the +90 kg category. 

As for the hosts, Chile suffered five defeats in the morning session but will have chances for bronze due to the carryover rule. 

American Goodrich will face Juan Riquelme for the third spot in the -90 kg category, while Ricardo Parra will contend against Argentinian Cristián Alderte in the +90 kg category. A victory would represent the first Parapan American judo medal in history for Chile. 

Written by José Tomás Lambert y Nicolás Olea; translated by Pía Barriga Ferry / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Ph: Luis Hidalgo / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport