Monday, November 20th, 2023.- The victory of Iranildo Espinola and Guilherme Marciao over Chileans Luis Silva and Vicente Leiva in Para table tennis not only meant another gold for Brazil at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games but also elevated the veteran MD4 category player to the pinnacle of the sport in his country. 

Espinola claimed the medal for the tenth time in such competitions, with four individual and six doubles titles, since his first participation 20 years ago in Santo Domingo. This achievement puts him on par with Hugo Hoyama, a Pan-American table tennis legend and ten-time continental champion. 

At the age of 56, the veteran enjoyed his tenth title at Santiago 2023. "I am very happy because it is my tenth gold medal at the Parapan American Games and my sixth doubles title. I am a six-time Pan American doubles champion, and that makes me very happy. I dedicate it to all Brazilians and my family," he celebrated. 

After his coronation at the Ñuñoa Olympic Training Center, Iranildo appreciated the progress Brazil has made in table tennis, accumulating seven gold medals in the current edition of the Parapan American Games and adding two more in the recent Pan Americans, confirming its dominance in the region. 

"Brazilian table tennis has undergone significant evolution. Years ago, we would participate, but now we have a great structure and training centers for all athletes. We are a major power in the Americas and aim to be a global power as well," he reflected. 


Written by Arturo Hernández y Nicolás Olea; translated by Paulette Bertín / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Ph: Sebastián Nanco / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport