ANGÉLICA ESPINOZA TO BE LIMA 2019 FLAG BEARER

Her name was kept secret. Attendees to the Peruvian delegation presentation ceremony wondered the name of the athlete chosen. Some minutes before the official designation, her name was displayed on the room.

Later, it was confirmed that Angélica Espinoza would be honored to bear the Peruvian flag during the Parapan American Games opening ceremony on August 23 at the National Stadium.

“I didn’t expect this. I think I was the only one who didn’t know this, but I’m pretty excited to have been designated. It’s a great responsibility but also a chance to represent all the Peruvian national teams,” said Angélica, who was awarded as the stand-out Para Athlete in 2017, with only 19 years.

The whole Peruvian delegation filled the room with applause after hearing her name, and more than one asked her a picture. “We’re the biggest Peruvian team in the history of the Parapan American Games. And I hope that this encourage more people to support us. We want to prove that we can also practice sports,” added the para athlete who will participate in the under 49 kg category.

Angélica won important competitions such as the Pan American Para Taekwondo Championships held in Costa Rica and the World Para Taekwondo Championships held in London (both in 2017.) Also, in the USA she was awarded silver medals (2018) and a bronze medal in June during a competition contested in Portland.  Her participation was remarkable in the 2019 World Para Taekwondo Championships in Turkey, where she advanced to the quarterfinals.

Less than one week to the start of the Parapan American Games, Angélica’s aim is clear: the medal. “My main objective is not only to have an outstanding participation and represent Peru but make it to the highest of the podium,” she added.

The competition venues during the Pan American Games were crowded, and the new flag bearer called the fans: “We need the support of all Peruvian fans to feel at home and collect many medals,” she said.