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JUNIOR DE FRANCA FROM BRAZIL WINS FIRST MEDAL IN PARA POWERLIFTING
He also broke the Parapan American record in the -49 kg category.
VIDENA’s Sports Center 2 experienced a festive ambiance. Lights, colors, music and a fun camera made the start of the Para powerlifting a great experience.
The stage was crowded and had the participation of school students of the Santo Domingo El Caminante school of Manchay.
Brazilian Junior de Franca was the first Para athlete won the first gold medal in this competition that started at 11:00. In addition, he set a new Parapan American record by lifting 141 kg in his second attempt.
“It is really gratifying to carry the gold medal and motivate other athletes,” said the also silver medalist of the Hungary 2017 World Championships.
The previous record was of 113 kg and was set in Toronto 2015 by Colombian Juan Carlos Ortiz, but Junior made an incredible effort to break it. “We're champions of the Americas and we want to keep that title. Today I had a double satisfaction,” he said.
Johnny Morales from Colombia, who was participating for the first time in the Parapan American Games, won silver with 125 kg in his best attempt.
“The gold —Junior— was a little ahead, so I should train more to catch him,” said Morales, who took more than one photo with school students, thanking them for their support. “They cheered for me and everything,” said the Colombian athlete.
The Para powerlifting competition will be held on Saturday, August 31, and if you want to keep watching more competition and supporting Para athletes, you can buy your tickets at the official website www.lima2019.pe and at authorized points sale.