Tuesday, November 21st, 2023.- The multi-thrower Yomaira Cohen, from Venezuela, won the gold medal in the shot put in Santiago 2023 for the F35/36/37 class (which groups athletes with cerebral palsy who compete standing up) with a record of 10.39 meters, with which she set a new Parapan American record, surpassing the mark held by Shirley Santos since Toronto 2015 (10.07).

Cohen, who has participations and medals in different competitions at continental and world level, including Paralympic Games, both javelin, shot put and discus, comfortably beat her closest competitor, the Colombian María Salomé Henao, who with 9.53 meters took the silver medal.

The bronze medal went to Argentina's Melanie Tassi, with 9.48 meters.

"I am very excited and happy. My daughter told me: 'Mom, bring me the big medal' and I got it. I surpassed my mark, I expected more. This is my sixth Parapan American Games and I needed this medal. I dedicate this triumph to my family and to all of Venezuela", said the winner, who previously won silver medals in Guadalajara 2011, Toronto 2015 and Lima 2019.

Written by Marcelo López-Anaís Farías; translated by paulette Bertín / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Jonnathan Oyarzún / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport