Saturday, November 25th, 2023.- The Para Taekwondo competition in Santiago 2023 concluded today with golds for Mexico, the United States, and Costa Rica. Surprisingly, Brazil didn't achieve any victories despite their representatives being in two out of three finals. Nonetheless, Brazil ended up leading the medal tally in this sport with four gold medals. 

In the first title bout, in the +65kg female category, Mexican Fernanda Vargas defeated Brazilian Debora Bezerra 8-6. "There's nothing that can compare to this feeling. Extremely happy and proud to give this victory to my country, and now aiming to keep adding points to reach the Paralympic Games," she stated. 

Subsequently, American Evan Medell defeated Brazilian Lucas Moraes 10-0 in the +80kg male category. 

"It's my most significant victory of this year. Very happy to work hard and get results. Besides, it's one of the most important competitions we have leading up to the Olympic Games, so it was crucial to have a great performance," said the American. 

Finally, in the -80kg male category, Costa Rican Andrés Molina defeated Mexican Luis Nájera 13-8. 


Written by Nicolás Bravo and Alejandro Pérez; translated by Vicente Valdivia / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Karin Pozo / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport