Thursday, November 23rd, 2023.- The wheelchair rugby final was a spectacle between two world powers. The United States and Canada delivered an intense match, the last of the discipline at the Collective Sports Center in the National Stadium. The result? A close 57-51 victory for the Americans. 

Both teams had faced each other in the two previous Parapan American finals. In Toronto 2015, Canada emerged victorious, while in Lima 2019, the United States secured the win. In Santiago 2023, the Americans retained their title and earned spots for the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

Meanwhile, Canada and Brazil (bronze medal) will have to go through a repechage to try to qualify for the "City of Light" games. 

The match featured a lot of physicality, constant tactical changes, blocks, and man-to-man marking, without giving each other any breathing space. All quarters were won by the Americans, but with minimal differences: 14-12, 13-12, 13-11, and 17-16. 

Charles "Chuck" Aoki, considered one of the best players in the world, scored 28 tries, although Canadian Zachary Madell, with 36 points, was the top scorer of the game. 

Written by Esteban Gómez - Alejandro Pérez; translated by Paulette Bertín / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Dragomir Yankovic / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport