Saturday, November 25th, 2023.- A major surprise unfolded with the disqualification of Cuban athlete Omara Durand from the final of the 400 meters T12 (visual impairment category), even though she had outclassed her opponents on the track at the Centro Atlético Mario Recordón of the Estadio Nacional. 

Thus, she couldn't celebrate her third gold medal at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games, having to settle with victories in the 100 and 200 meters. Her historic record also stands at 13 medals in the continental event. 

The Parapan American champion and world record holder for the distance finished with a time of 53.71 seconds, eight seconds faster than Mexican athlete Daniela Velasco (1:02.39), who, following Durand's disqualification, claimed the event. 

The silver medal went to Dominican athlete Manuela Jacinto (1:04.45). No bronze medal was awarded. 

In the female's 400 meters T11 (visual impairment category), Venezuelan athlete Sol Rojas emerged victorious with a time of 58.03 seconds, securing her first medal at Santiago 2023. 

The silver medalist at the Rio de Janeiro 2017 Paralympics was followed by Brazilian athlete Thalita Simplicio (58.05) and Colombian athlete Ionis Salcedo (58.94). 

In the 400 T13 (visual impairment category), Brazilian athlete Rayane Soares set a Parapan American record in a race where she dominated her rivals. 

The victor finished in 56.31 seconds, while Costa Rican athlete Melissa Calvo claimed the silver medal with 1:04.41. Mexican athlete Priscila Chávez secured the bronze with 1:07.75. 

This marked Soares's second gold in Santiago 2023, having previously won in the 100 meters. 

Written by Macarena Navias; translated by Vicente Valdivia / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Marcelo Hernández / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport