Monday, November 20th, 2023.- The battle for the gold medal in the -86kg, +86kg category of Para Powerlifting at the Gimnasio Chimkowe in Peñalolén on Monday was intensely contested. Brazilian Tayana Medeiros and Chilean Marion Serrano tied with a result of 104.4, but Medeiros clinched the first place due to her lower body weight compared to her opponent. The bronze medal went to Edilandia Araujo, also from Brazil. 

"I was very tense and nervous; I need to control my anxiety more. This gold medal represents a lot for me, so I feel very happy to win it. It's the result of a lot of effort and hard work," expressed the winner, overwhelmed with emotion. 

The Chilean stated, "I'm very happy with this achievement; it's what I was aiming for. Besides, I will improve my record and the bronze from Lima. I enjoyed the moment to relieve the pressure and being at home helped me a lot. Now, I continue to strive to qualify for Paris 2024 and enjoy the moment to alleviate the pressure." 

Earlier, Brazilian Ailton Bento de Souza claimed the gold medal in the -80kg category. The silver went to Mexican Martín Pérez, and the bronze was secured by Chilean Jonathan Astudillo. 

This Para Powerlifting Monday continues with the medal contests in the male's -88kg, female's -50kg, -55kg, and male's -65kg series. 

Written by Paula Vivanco and Marcelo González; translated by Vicente Valdivia / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Ph: Javier Valdés / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport