A twist of fate. We were all surprised last Saturday when Rosbil Guillén lost the gold medal in the 5000 m race, after crossing first the finish line. His guide made a mistake and he lost the medal, but only four days later, he took a long awaited revenge. This time, he took his precautions. Without hesitations, with no mistakes, fully focused and passionate, Rosbil Guillén came back to his feet, and in a great way.

And as it is with twists and turns of life and sports, he crowned a great victory tonight with the first gold for Peru, thanks to a mistake by Ecuadorian Darwin Castro, who crossed the finish line in front of Guillén.

This way, the “Wonder” Guillén had his revenge and won gold in the 1500 m T11 category event (Para athletes with visual impairment running with guides), to forget the disappointment of losing the medal in the 5000 m when his guide lost him before crossing the finish line.

As Rosbil Guillén acknowledged, he ran this time without making any mistakes, and he placed second in a tough race, with 4 m 23 s 88 c, his best mark for 1500 m where he won the sixth medal for Peru. However, seconds after finishing the event, the judges disqualified the Ecuadorian athlete Castro, and so Guillén reached the top of the podium.

His guide, Rio Ferdinand Cereceda, named after the English footballer who played in the national team and Manchester United in the 2000’s, did not make any mistake and ran along with Rosbil without letting him go until the end, and so Peru received its best moment of this Parapan American Games.

“I’m really happy, and even more because I lost the gold in the 5000 m. This time I played and competed fairly. This medal is for all Peruvians. I’m grateful to God for his blessings and to my family that supported me the whole time to get this medal. Go Peru,” said the Peruvian Para athlete very excited. In this same event, the Peruvian Luis Sandoval placed fourth.

Peru wins again a gold medal in this kind of events after 12 years, when at the Rio 2007 Parapan American Games, Jimmy Eulert won three golds in Para swimming in 50 m freestyle, 100 m freestyle and 50 m backstroke events.

Guillén's gold adds up to the medals won by Carlos Felipa (silver), Jorge Arcela (silver), Carlos Sandoval (silver), Efraín Sotacuro (bronze) and Fred Villalobos (bronze).

Meanwhile, as Lima 2019 Para athletics competitions are closing, Peruvians are showing good performances in their respective events. Jesús Castillo with 12s50c and José Luis Casas with 12s72c achieved their best personal marks in the 100 m T 64 competition (athletes competing with prostheses in lower limbs or with different lower limbs length.) Kenny Pacheco also scored a personal best in shot put F55 (athletes compete in sitting position), with a distance of 8 m 05 cm.

TICKETS ON SALE

To see the brilliant Para athletes of the Americas in action at the Parapan American Games, buy your tickets starting at PEN 10. There will be a 50 % discount for minors, senior citizens and people with an impairment. Tickets can be bought at tickets booth at VIDENA (gates 1 and 10) and at the 11 points of sale in Lima.

Tickets can also be purchased online at lima2019.pe/tickets, where you will also find the sports calendar with detailed competition schedules. In the case of e-tickets, printing will no longer be necessary since customers can show their e-ticket from their mobile phones at the entrance of the sports venue.

Confirming that she is the best sprinter in the world, the Cuban Omara Durand closed her participation at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games with a third gold medal, as well as a new Parapan American record in the 400 m event, which was her last competition in Peru.

Durand will always be remembered in the country because she left her name engraved at the Athletics Stadium in VIDENA, where her handprints will be placed next to the ones of Usain Bolt, the fastest man in history. Omara, in her participation at Lima 2019, won all of her competitions without much resistance from her opponents in category T12 (Para athletes with a visual impairment who run with a guide).

In her last competition in Peru, Omara Durand, along with her guide Kindelán Vargas, finished in 52s51c in the 400 m event, breaking her own Parapan American record of 54s22c, achieved a day before in the qualification round.

Omara Durand, considered the fastest Para athlete in the world, won her first gold medal at Lima 2019 in the 200 m event in category T12, and then she did it again in 100 m, just to finish her amazing journey in the country with her third gold medal by winning in the 400 m event.

The Cuban athlete has now eleven Parapan American medals: three won at Rio 2007 (100, 200 and 400 m), two at Guadalajara 2011 (100 and 400 m), three at Toronto 2015 (100, 200 and 400 m) and three at Lima 2019 (100, 200 and 400). Plus, we have to add her five Paralympic gold medals won at London 2012 (two) and Rio 2016 (three).

TICKETS ON SALE

If you want to see the amazing Para athletes who are participating at the Parapan American Games, you can buy your tickets starting at PEN 10. In addition, there will be a 50% discount for children under 18, senior citizens and people with an impairment. Tickets are available at the tickets offices in VIDENA (gate 1 and gate 10) and also at the 11 authorized points of sale throughout the city.

Tickets can be also purchased online at lima2019.pe/tickets, where you will also find the detailed competition schedules. In the case of e-tickets, printing will no longer be necessary since customers can show their e-ticket on the screen of their mobile phones at the entrance of the sports venue

Four years ago, she left her name engraved in the history of Argentinian sport. That time, at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, the Para athlete Yanina Martínez won the 100 m event (class T36 for people with cerebral palsy). That gold medal placed Argentina at the top of the podium, after two decades of absence. Her impairment never limited her and now she proudly carries the Argentinian flag. 

Nevertheless, the challenges still continue for her and Lima 2019 is the first step to repeat her Paralympic achievement in Tokyo 2020. This afternoon, with tears in her eyes, she celebrated her two gold medals in the 100 and 200 m events, repeating what she achieved in Toronto 2015. But that is not all, if she makes it to the final of the 4x100 relay tonight, she could reach an historic third gold medal at the Games. 

“Yanina really wanted to be in Lima 2019, because she considers it a very beautiful event and, for that reason, she prepared with effort, showing an extraordinary love for athletics. There have been many years of hard work, which has been giving achievements since Guadalajara 2011 and we are very happy,” said her coach Martín Arroyo. 

Since the age of 11, Arroyo has been training the Argentinian Olympic champion as part of a physical education program. He encouraged her to practice sports, playing with balls and running short distances. As the years went by, he was surprised by her dedication until she became a top athlete in 2010. They both spend a lot of time together, since they work double shifts, which generated a family connection. 

Yanina is grateful for the good treatment of Peruvians. She really enjoys the food and the good atmosphere with her teammates in the Parapan American Village. “Lima 2019 will remain in my heart. I am very happy with the two gold medals and I want to dedicate them to my mom and my coach because I love them very much,” said the champion. 

CHEER ON THEM FROM THE GRANDSTANDS 

If you want to see these wonderful athletes, tomorrow is the last day starting at 15:00. Buy your tickets starting at PEN 10. There will be a 50% discount for children under 18, senior citizens and people with an impairment. You can buy tickets in the ticket offices at VIDENA and in the 11 authorized points of sale throughout the city. 

Tickets can also be purchased online at lima2019.pe/tickets, where you will also find the detailed competition schedule. In the case of e-tickets, printing will no longer be necessary since customers can show their e-ticket from their mobile phones at the entrance of the sports venue. 

One of the stars who came to shine at the sixth edition of the Parapan American Games imposed a new mark. The brilliant Cuban Para athlete Omara Durand won her second gold in Lima 2019 and her tenth Parapan American title. 

She is looking for a third gold to close her participation in our Games on the highest point, as she will still be competing in the 400 m class T12 category (Para athletes with visual impairment running with guides).  

The Para athlete was close to beating her best mark, but she finished the competition with a time of 11.76 s. Nevertheless, it was her best time in the season. 

Omara Durand, considered the fastest Para athlete in the world, had won her first gold in Lima 2019 in the 200 m T12 category event, and now she is only waiting to compete in the 400 m, as the favorite to win a new gold medal. It is important to mention that she is running along with her guide Kindelán Vargas. 

The Cuban athlete has won 10 Parapan American titles so far, three in Rio 2007 (100 m, 200 m and 400 m), two in Guadalajara 2011 (100 m and 400 m), three in Toronto 2015 (100 m, 200 m and 400 m) and two in Lima (100 m and 200 m). She also has five gold medals won in Paralympic Games in London 2012 (two) and Rio 2016 (three). 

TICKETS ON SALE 

To see brilliant Para athletes like the Cuban Omara Durand participating at the Parapan American Games, buy your tickets, starting at PEN 10. There will be a 50 % discount for minors, senior citizens and people with an impairment. Tickets can be bought at tickets booth at VIDENA (gates 1 and 10) and at the 11 points of sale in Lima. 

Tickets can also be purchased online at lima2019.pe/tickets, where you will also find the sports calendar with detailed competition schedules. In the case of e-tickets, printing will no longer be necessary since customers can show their e-ticket from their mobile phones at the entrance of the sports venue. 

Photo Gallery (click here)

The president of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee, Carlos Neuhaus, said that Para athlete Carlos Felipa, silver medalist at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games, is a sports role model, who is leaving a legacy for the children.

“He’s commendable and praiseworthy. He’s a role model to all the kids, a legacy he is leaving for many children,” stated Neuhaus, after saying Felipa practices multiple sports and is one of Peru’s national heroes.

Neuhaus emphasized that Felipa is an example; he is a father, but he has also dedicated himself enthusiastically to athletics and to defending Peru, and that we will most likely see him at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Afterwards, the members of class 111 of the Peruvian Army’s Chorrillos Military School surprised Felipa at the press conference held at the Lima Convention Center. They entered the room singing the anthem of their institution and congratulated him on his achievement.

They then gave the Para athlete a framed photo of all the members of his military class.

Carlos Felipa won a silver medal after finishing in second place in men’s shot put in the F63 category (Para athletes with a physical impairment who compete using prosthetics, or with a lower limb impairment).

Peace

On his part, the silver medalist thanked his fellow military classmates for this gesture and stated that, like those who defend peace and give their all to the point of risking their lives, Para athletes also do so in these competitions by representing their country.

“We are soldiers fighting for peace and sports give us the opportunity to create new values in our society. I believe Lima 2019 is widening our horizon of opportunities, so that we can instill those values that enrich the country in our children,” Felipa said.

Photo gallery (click here)

Although it was originally announced that Lima 2019 ambassador Efraín Sotacuro had won a silver medal for Peru in Para athletics, a sport that is bringing great joy to Peru, the Peruvian ended up receiving the bronze medal due to a sanction appeal by Brazilian Yagonny Reís de Souza.

Sotacuro will be on the podium anyway, even though the Brazilian's appeal was accepted. The day before, the Brazilian Para athlete had been disqualified and lost the second place, which was awarded to the Peruvian. Reis de Souza reclaimed the silver medal and Sotacuro was given the bronze.

It is worth recalling that, in a dramatic competition settled in the last few meters, the Para athlete born in Huancavelica and living in Huancayo was able to reach the podium by crossing the finish line in third place, winning the bronze medal in the 1500m, T46 category (Para athletes with physical impairment in the upper limbs).

The Lima 2019 ambassador was leading the race at times, even though he is not a specialist in this distance but in the marathon. For example, he ran the marathon at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where he ended up fourth among the best Para athletes in the world.

In the 1500m race, held at the modern track of the Athletics Stadium, Peruvians Carlos Sangama and Piter Ticllasuca also participated, placing fifth and sixth, respectively. The winner was Chilean Mauricio Orrego; another Chilean, Ignacio Sepúlveda, finished forth. Sotacuro and Sepúlveda fiercely fought for the third place; as they were reaching the finish line, Sotacuro managed to overtake the Chilean with the support of all Peruvians present at the Stadium.

Peru now a total of five medals, including this bronze medal won by Sotacuro, and the silver medals claimed by Carlos Felipa and Luis Sandoval in Para athletics and Jorge Arcela in Para shooting, and the bronze medal won by Fred Villalobos in judo.

TICKETS ON SALE

To watch these brilliant Para athletes in action at the Parapan American Games, you can purchase your tickets starting at PEN 10. In addition, there is a 50% discount for children under 18, senior citizens and people with impairments. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices at VIDENA (Gate 1 and Gate 10) and in the 11 authorized points of sale across Lima.

You can also get your tickets at the Lima 2019 website: lima2019.pe/tickets, where you will also find the detailed competition schedules. In the case of e-tickets, printing will no longer be necessary since spectators can show their e-tickets from their mobile phones at the entrance of the sports venue.

Strengthen by his Andean heart, the Lima 2019 ambassador Efraín Sotacuro won the fifth medal for Peru, in Para athletics, a sport that has proven to be really good for the country.

In a dramatic finish, defined in the last few meters, the Para athlete born in Huancavelica and living in Huancayo reached the podium by crossing the line in the third place. He won the bronze in the 1500 m event, class T46 (Para athletes with physical impairment in upper limbs). However, a few minutes later, the judges disqualified Brazilian Yagonny Reis de Souza for committing a fault during the competition. The Peruvian then was awarded silver, and given the second place.

During the competition, the Lima 2019 ambassador led the pack for moments, even if this event is not his specialty. He specialized in marathon, as proved in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games where he placed in the top fourth of the world.

At the modern track of the athletics stadium, other Peruvians participated in the 1500 m event, such as: Carlos Sangama, who placed fourth and Piter Ticllasuca, who placed fifth. The winner was the Chilean Mauricio Orrego, and Ignacio Sepúlveda, also from Chile, won bronze. The latter had a dramatic duel with Sotacuro in the last meters, who finally won supported by all Peruvian fans.

With Sotacuro medal, Peru totals five medals, along with Carlos Felipa and Luis Sandoval in Para athletics (both silver), Jorge Arcela in shooting Para sports (silver) and Fred Villalobos in judo (bronze).

TICKETS FOR SALE

To see this amazing Para athletes in action at the Parapan American Games, go get your tickets, starting at PEN 10. There will be a 50 % discount for minors, senior citizens and people with an impairment. Tickets can be bought at tickets booth at VIDENA (gates 1 and 10) and at the 11 authorized points of sale in the city.

Tickets can be also purchased online through lima2019.pe, where you will also find the Sports Calendar with detailed competition schedules. In the case of e-tickets, printing will no longer be necessary since customers can show their e-ticket from their mobile phones at the entrance of the sports venue.

With the cheers of his fellow Peruvian Army members, who filled one of the grandstands of the VIDENA Athletics Stadium, the Peruvian Para athlete, Carlos Felipa, gave the country a new joy by winning a new medal on the fourth day of competitions of the Parapan American Games, which are being held for the first time in Peru.

Felipa—a courageous member of the Peruvian Army who fought terrorism—reached the second place in the shot put event in category F63 (Para athletes with a physical impairment and competing with prosthetics), with a distance of 10.71 m. This was enough for him to win the silver medal, as he obtained a higher record than Colombian Humberto Armella, who did not reach the podium.

The winner was Brazilian Mauro de Souza, who did a 13-meter-long throw, with which he established a new Parapan American record, beating the one set by Matthew Brown (11.83 m) on August 13, 2007, at the Rio Parapan American Games.

If we add this medal to the ones earned by Luis Sandoval in Para athletics (silver), Jorge Arcela in shooting Para sport (silver), and Fred Villalobos in judo (bronze), Peru has a total of four medals.

TICKETS ON SALE

To see these outstanding Para athletes at the Parapan American Games, you may purchase your tickets starting at PEN 10. In addition, there is a 50% discount for children under 18, senior citizens and people with an impairment. Tickets can be purchased in the Lima 2019 ticket offices located at VIDENA (gate 1 and gate 10) and at the 11 authorized points of sale in Lima.

Tickets can be also purchased online through lima2019.pe/tickets, where you will also find the detailed competition schedule. In the case of e-tickets, printing will no longer be necessary since customers can show their e-ticket from their mobile phones at the entrance of the sports venue.

Galería de fotos (clic aquí)

As a sign that the best athletes of the Americas and even the world are in our country, a new world record was established during the Para athletics competitions at the new Athletics Stadium VIDENA.

In the shot put F46 category (athletes with a physical impairment in the upper limbs), the American Joshua Cinnamo set a new world record of 16m49cm. This way, he won the gold medal in the competition and surpassed his previous mark of 15m98cm in Chula Vista, California, on May 28, 2017.

TICKETS ON SALE

To see these outstanding Para athletes participating in the Parapan American Games, you can purchase tickets ranging from PEN 10. There is a 50% discount for children under 18, senior citizens and people with an impairment. Tickets can be bought at the VIDENA ticket offices (Gates 1 and 10) and the 11 authorized points of sale around Lima.

Tickets can be also purchased online through lima2019.pe/tickets, where you will also find the detailed competition schedules. In the case of e-tickets, printing will no longer be necessary since customers can show their e-ticket from their mobile phones at the entrance of the sports venue