Tuesday, November 21st, 2023.- American Para athlete Leo Merle VI secured the first place and the gold medal at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games in the T38 1,500 meters event (limitations in movement in the lower torso and legs). 

The winner clocked 4:12.62, beating Canadian Liam Stanley by almost a second, who took the silver (4:13.60). Colombian Johnier Gómez secured the bronze (4:26.15). 

"I feel great. At the start of the race, I was a bit nervous, but now I'm very excited about this achievement. I enjoyed it a lot. The Chilean audience was incredible; they were already cheering when we started competing and when we crossed the finish line. Feeling that, I thought: 'This is amazing!'" commented the new Parapan American champion. 

The list of athletes was completed by Nicaraguan Carlos Alberto Castillo, who, with a tremendous effort, earned the satisfaction of crossing the finish line with a time of 4:57.50. 

Written by Marcelo López-Anaís Farías; translated by Vicente Valdivia / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport 
Ph: Marcelo Hernández / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport