Tuesday, November 21st, 2023.- The Colombian para-athlete Samuel Garín caused a major upset in the T20 class (intellectual disability) 1,500 meters, clinching the gold medal and surpassing the favored Canadian Patrick Barber. Barber, considered the favorite due to his best time of the season and achievements in World Cups, had to settle for silver. 

The Caribbean athlete executed a flawless race, maintaining the pace of the North American competitor and pulling ahead in the final meters to secure the first-place finish with a time of 4’10''71. 

Barber, who had recently set a national record at the 2023 Para Athletics World Championships and was ranked sixth in the world, had to settle for the silver medal with a time of 4’11''99. 

Puerto Rican athlete Carmelo Rivera claimed the third position (4’13''36), securing the bronze medal. Venezuelan Luis Arturo Paiva finished fourth (4'14''93), and Chilean Wladimir Palma came in fifth (4’17''19), the same position he achieved in Lima 2019. 

Written by Marcelo López; translated by Paulette Bertín / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Ph: Marcelo Hernández / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport