The Lima 2019 Parapan American Games ended with the closing ceremony. The best Para athletes in the Americas arrived in the capital city of Peru, did their best and showed their passion and dedication on the field of play. However, only a few achieved the coveted qualification for the next edition of the Paralympic Games, to be held in the Land of the Rising Sun. Here we will tell you more about them!

ALBERTO ABARZA (CHILE)

The Chilean Para swimmer obtained three gold and two silver medals. Five medals in a single edition of the Parapan American Games. Not bad, right? He also set a Parapan American record! After winning the men’s 200 m freestyle S2 (S1-S2) in 4:10.06, he set a new record that will be hard to beat. Congratulations, Alberto!

ÁNGELICA ESPINOZA (PERU)

Angélica Espinoza, the Peruvian flag bearer, defeated all of her rivals in the women’s K44 under 49 kg event of Para taekwondo and obtained one gold medal for the Peruvian delegation thanks to her strength and courage. Let us not forget that this Para sport made its debut in this edition of the Parapan American Games. And its first gold medal stayed in Peru!

GUSTAVO FERNÁNDEZ (ARGENTINA)

The World number 1 wheelchair tennis player and flag bearer in the opening ceremony had an impressive performance in all his matches (we expected nothing less...) Fernández, who hails from Cordoba, won the singles tournament and also obtained gold in doubles, securing the possibility of going for more medals in Tokyo!

MEN’S GOALBALL TEAM (USA)

The American goalball team took home the silver medal. Even though they were defeated 12-9 by Brazil, they had already secured qualification for Tokyo after beating Canada 6-4. At the previous edition of the Paralympic Games, in Rio de Janeiro, they also placed second.

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL TEAM (CANADA)

Thanks to a score in the last few seconds, Canada beat the USA in the women’s wheelchair basketball final, with only a three-point difference (67-64). After winning all their matches, they faced a tough encounter which ended in their winning the gold medal. The squad showed how united they are in the field of play.

More than 2000 Para athletes tried to obtain a ticket for the Paralympic Games next year, but only the bravest and the most tenacious managed it. You already know some of them. Not only will Lima 2019 remain forever in their memories, but it also continues to write the stories of many athletes!