Thursday, November 23rd, 2023.- The Cuban Robiel Yankiel Sol's world record was undoubtedly the highlight of Thursday's session at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games, where Brazil continued to extend its lead in the medal count, adding 19 golds to reach a total of 112. 

Sol was the star in Para Athletics, winning the T47 long jump with a mark of 7.74 meters, surpassing his own record of 7.71 set earlier in Bogotá this year. 

Another notable moment was the gold medal earned by Vicente Almonacid, marking the first for Chile in Para Swimming. He secured victory in the 200m individual medley SM8, bringing the host country's total gold medals to thirteen. 

In Para Swimming, Brazil further solidified its dominance, claiming an additional seven golds and reaching a total of 57 in the sport. 

The first team sport in Santiago to conclude was wheelchair rugby, featuring two thrilling matches. In the battle for third place, Brazil took the bronze from Colombia, who had secured the medal in Toronto 2015 and Lima 2019. In the final, the United States retained their Parapan American title by defeating Canada, securing spots for Paris 2024. 

Tennis is also nearing its end, where Chile has already guaranteed at least three silver medals. Francisco Cayulef reached the final in the quad singles and doubles (the latter with Diego Pérez), while Alexander Cataldo will compete in the men's singles final against the top-seeded Argentine Gustavo Fernández. 

In the medal standings, Brazil leads with 112 golds, while the battle for second place is intense: Colombia has 34 first-place finishes, and the United States is close behind with 33, well ahead of fourth-placed Mexico with 23. 

Written by Alejandro Pérez; translated by Paulette Bertín / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport 
Photo by Jonnahtan Oyarzún / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport