Thursday, November 23rd, 2023.- Claudiney da Silva of Brazil won gold in the F56 discus throw (seated category), securing his sixth Parapan American medal and setting a new record for the competition with a throw of 44.79 meters. 

The Paralympic champion in the same event at Tokyo 2020 successfully defended his Parapan American title from Lima 2019 and added another gold to his illustrious career, which also includes first place in Rio 2016 (F57 discus) and silver in London 2012 (F57/58 javelin). 

At the Parapan American level, the Brazilian had previously stood atop the podium in Guadalajara 2011 (F57/58 javelin). He also won silver four years ago in Peru (F57 shot put) and in Toronto 2015 (F51/52/53/57 discus), while in the Mexico edition, he claimed bronze (F57/58 discus). 

"I am happy for this gold medal, which is the result of a lot of work and discipline. Happy and excited to represent my country, Brazil. I felt a lot of joy, and it was very gratifying to feel the support from the audience in the stands," commented Da Silva, who also holds the world record for discus throw in the F56 class (46.68 meters). 

Cuban Leonardo Díaz, who held the Parapan American record since Guadalajara 2011, finished second in Santiago 2023 with a throw of 37.35 meters, earning the silver medal. His previous continental mark was 44.36 meters. 

Kenny Pacheco of Peru took home the bronze medal with a throw of 35.93 meters, followed by Cristofer Murillo of Panama (35.21) and Sandro Varelo of Brazil (27.82), in fourth and fifth place, respectively. 

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