Thursday, November 23rd, 2023.- Daniel Mendes added another gold medal to his extraordinary sporting résumé. The reigning Parapan American champion in the T11 400 meters (visual impairment) won the gold medal at the Santiago 2023 Games, defeating Venezuelan Enderson Germán Santos by over a second. 

On the track at the Mario Recordón Athletic Center, the Brazilian clocked a time of 52.05 seconds, while his opponent finished in 53.28 seconds. The bronze went to Mexican José de Jesús Flores (56.35 seconds), with the United States' David Brown closing the list (56.79 seconds). 

In addition to his titles in Santiago and Lima 2019, the Nova Venécia-born athlete won the continental event in Guadalajara 2011. On the global stage, he earned silver in Lyon 2013, Doha 2015, and Dubai 2019. At the Paralympic level, he boasts gold in the Rio 2016 4x100 and silver in the London 2012 200 meters. 

"I feel very happy; it was a medal of great determination and struggle... We have been very well received by the Chileans, and we always seek the best to reciprocate that affection. Now we have to focus on Paris 2024 and the Kobe World Championships," Mendes expressed. 

As happened in the various 100 meters races that opened Thursday's session, where they claimed all the victories, Brazil once again dominated the track. 

Shortly after Mendes' triumph, his compatriot Aline dos Santos added another gold, claiming the T53-54 800 meters (wheelchair) with a time of 1:48.34, defeating American Hannah Dederick, who took silver in 1:49.81, and fellow Brazilian Vanessa de Souza, who secured bronze in 1:55.28. 

These are the first Parapan American Games for Dos Santos, who debuted on Tuesday with a silver medal in the 400 meters. Before this, she was recognized as the first woman from her country to compete in the Winter Paralympics. Para athletics suits her quite well, undoubtedly. 

"It's an immense emotion. Just being here is already a great joy, and this gold medal is indescribable. I knew the American was strong at the start, but I believed I could win a medal. I wanted the gold, but I couldn't be sure," Dos Santos enthusiastically recounted. 

Written by Macarena Navias; translated by Paulette Bertín / Santiago 2023 vía Photoport
Photo by Marcelo Hernández / Santiago 2023 vía Photoport