Saturday, November 25th, 2023.- Izabela Silva from Brazil emerged as the winner in the shot put F12 (visual impairment) event at Santiago 2023, with a throw of 9.76 meters, earning her the gold medal. This marks her seventh Parapan American medal in her career. 

"These are my third consecutive Games winning a medal and surpassing my record. I am very happy. Santiago 2023 has been a tremendous experience, and I am very pleased to have won this new medal," commented Silva. 

This is the second time in this edition of the continental event that she has stood atop the podium, having previously won gold in the F12 discus. 

Izabela Silva's other five Parapan American medals include gold in discus, bronze in javelin and shot put at Lima 2019; gold in discus and bronze in shot put at Toronto 2015. 

Additionally, she won bronze in discus at the Rio 2016 Paralympics. 

Her compatriot Jenifer Da Silva secured the silver medal with a throw of 9.55 meters, while Yesenia Restrepo from Colombia (9.50) took home the bronze medal. 

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