Alexandra Grande, two-time Pan American champion in karate, wanted to meet Angélica Espinoza, taekwondo athlete at the Parapan American Games and Peruvian delegation flag bearer.

This encounter took place at the Peruvian Olympic Committee Gym in VIDENA. Alexandra arrived and met a shy Angelica, who was surprised by the visit. “I feel proud and happy that you have been chosen as the flag bearer,” said Alexandra to Angélica.

“It’s really nice to see athletes approaching us; this doesn’t happen very often, and I know Alexandra is a great champion, so I really appreciate her words,” declared Angélica. She expressed pride for having been chosen as the Peruvian delegation flag bearer and represent its 139 athletes.

Alexandra invited everyone to support the Para athletes, because this sports event is not over. “Let people rest their throats, so they can go to the Opening Ceremony and support the athletes, because we need everyone’s support. We’re giving the post to them. Now I’m just another fan and I’d love to see a full coliseum, just like when I competed,” she highlighted.

The outstanding karate athlete, who also confirmed that she will be carrying the Parapan American Torch, did not hesitate to put on the uniform and challenge Angélica. They took pictures together with Milco, the official Parapan American Games mascot.

She was also very supportive. “We are at home and we must take advantage of the support we receive. I told Angélica to have fun and show everyone that she is the best and sweep all of her rivals,” said Alexandra with a laugh.

Para taekwondo events will be held at the Callao Sports Center on August 30 and 31. “It would be great to have the support and warmth of all Peruvians,” said Angélica.

At the end of this encounter, Alexandra and Angélica invited everyone to the Parapan American Games, which will start on August 23, by shouting “Arriba Perú” (Let’s go Peru) and “Let’s all play!”  

Get your tickets at lima2019.pe/tickets or at any authorized point of sale. Prices start at PEN 20 for ceremonies and PEN 10 for competitions. Remember there will be a 50% discount for children under 18, senior citizens and people with an impairment.

While the national anthem was playing, standing at the top of the podium, Alexandra Grande felt immense pride for what she had achieved. She was proud, not only because of her gold medal in karate, but also because Lima 2019 was the driving force behind the close bond between athletes and fans; it enabled fans to identify with the dedication of those who represented Peru at the Pan American Games.

Therefore, the two-time Pan American champion encouraged Peruvians to continue cheering for our athletes, this time at the Parapan American Games, which start on August 22. The table tennis competition, at Sports Center 3 in VIDENA, will kick off the event. You can buy tickets to see these amazing athletes at www.lima2019.pe/tickets.

“Fans need to know that Lima 2019 is not over. It’s time to support our Para athletes with the same passion they showed at the Pan American Games. I know they’re going to kill it at the Parapan American Games and make Peru proud,” stated Alexandra.

Grande added that she hopes to be alongside the Peruvian representatives. “I’m going to be checking up on them, visiting them at the Village to give them energy and supporting them in their competitions. I have many friends in the delegation (Pedro Pablo de Vinatea, Dunia Felices, Pilar Jáuregui) who I deeply admire for their achievements.

PURE JOY

About having been awarded at the Government Palace, the karateka thanked the president for always being close to them and also stated that the Pan American Games were an amazing experience that moved her to tears.

“Now, people recognize me on the street and their warmth is amazing. It’s not something I’m used to and it feels nice. Because all my fights were on television, a lady came up to me and told me I made her cry with joy. That was something that made me reflect on how powerful sports can be,” she added.

About the historic feat of being a two-time Pan American champion, alongside skier Natalia Cuglievan, she made it clear Peruvian women are capable of great things. “Natalia (Cuglievan) and I are good friends and well, as women, having made history in Peruvian sports makes us very happy,” she concluded.

Karate continues giving us joy. This time, it was the turn of the athlete Isabel Mallory Aco, who reached the bronze medal in Kumite, 68 kg category. The combat was held at the Villa El Salvador Sports Center, where a great number of spectators attended. 

The Peruvian representative took the 39th medal for Peru. It is a historical figure that surpasses all previous participation in this type of international competitions. Isabel Aco participated on the last day of competitions at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games, where she reached the bronze medal in the semifinal. She was defeated by Omaira Molina from Venezuela. 

With this victory, Peru collected 21 bronze medals, 11 gold medals and seven silver medals, making Lima 2019 an unforgettable event for Peru and the athletes.  

Karate added gold medals with Alexandra Grande and the men’s Kata team (Oliver del Castillo, John Trebejo and Carlos Lam), bronze medals with the women’s Kata team (Andrea Almarza, Sol Romaní and Saida Salcedo), Ingrid Aranda and Mariano Wong, both in individual Kata. 

Without a doubt, the constant feature and trademark of the Pan American Games, which come to an end tonight, has been the unconditional support of Peruvian fans and the fans from different countries of the Americas. Their support has been recognized by outstanding athletes of the continental competition.

Kevin Martínez, gold medalist in Peruvian Fronton singles, highlighted the fact that this discipline of Basque pelota made its debut in the Pan American Games and said he was “very happy” to be the ambassador of this 100% Peruvian sport.    

“It’s an honor to represent this Peruvian sport that we’re slowly sharing with the world and to give Peru its tenth gold medal (of the Games),” he said.

Later, he welcomed the presence of the president of Peru, Martín Vizcarra, at the medal ceremony of his competition and revealed that the president is a former fronton player: “we’ve agreed to play a match to pick up fronton again.”

SUPPORT ON ALL COURTS

Karatekas John Trebejo, Carlos Lam and Oliver del Castillo reiterated how much it meant to them to win the gold medal in men’s team kata surrounded by the universal support of the public.

“This can unite us in order to move forward. Sports are a great tool for change. We’re happy and enjoying this celebration. We’ve been working for a long time. Carlos, Oliver and I are such good friends; I knew we could achieve something historic,” confessed John.

Likewise, Tamil Martino, silver medalist in stand up paddle surfing, said that he had never felt so much support and affection from fans in a competition before.

“That was crucial to us doing well as a team. We, as well as the Peruvian surfing community, are proud that we have been included in such an important championship like the Olympic-level Pan American Games. This is the first time that surf is part of a competition of this level and we were able to prove to Peru that Peruvian surf is a first-rate sport,” he said.

INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT

Brazilian Rafaella Silva, world, Olympic and Pan American champion in judo, was pleased to represent her country at Lima 2019 and with how this continental event will contribute to her preparation for the world championship.

As a prelude to the Lima 2019 Pan American Games closing ceremony, Peru will experience an unforgettable multi-sport day, seeking to climb in the medal table and claiming a place as a country developing its sport, to end its remarkable participation in these Games.   

In this context, spectators at the Villa El Salvador Sports Center will witness the fierce fight for the gold of the Peruvian karate delegation versus the best teams of the Americas, starting at 09:00. 

In Athletics, the Peruvian team will also be determined to win gold in the women’s and men’s 50 km race walk competition, which will take place in Miraflores starting at 07:00. 

On the other hand, gold, silver and bronze medals will be defined in the women’s volleyball competition, with intense matches between  Brazil, Dominican Republic, Argentina and Colombia. The matches will start at 09:00 at the Callao Sports Center. 

Likewise, the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center will be the stage of various competitions that will test the accuracy and effectiveness of the most outstanding archers of the Americas, starting at 09:00. 

On the other hand, from 11:40 am at Costa Verde, cyclists from various delegations will compete against in a dazzling acrobatics event for the gold medal in BMX freestyle.  

Starting at 11:00 am, at the VIDENA Sport Center 1, the judo preliminary round and final will be held with different events and the participation of Peruvian representatives.  

Finally, golf champions will be defined in the individual and mixed categories at the Lima Golf Club.  

With tears in her eyes, after a rewarding outcome for her unrelenting effort, karateka Alexandra Grande made it to the top of the podium after winning the gold medal in karate – kumite. As a result, Peru achieved a new historic record of 11 gold medals. 

The Lima 2019 Ambassador had to push herself to the limit to win the championship in the -61 kg category and clinch her second Pan American gold, after her victory at Toronto 2015. This made her the second Peruvian woman to win two gold medals at the Pan American Games, after Natalia Cuglievan. 

In an emotional afternoon at the Villa El Salvador Sports Center, the Peruvian fans became Ale’s best ally, as their cheering shook the grandstands. The Lima 2019 Ambassador finally got her revenge against Venezuelan Claudymar Garcés, who was the only opponent that had defeated her in the first round of competition. 

Alexandra Grande burst into tears when she found out she had defeated the Venezuelan athlete with a 6-1 final score. She kneeled and thanked the spectators and her sensei, Roberto Reyna. The Peruvian sportswoman’s excitement was at its top when she hugged her parents, who were her first role models in martial arts. 

With this victory, the Lima 2019 Ambassador obtained the 11th gold medal for Peru, a record number that beats all Peruvian participations in this type of events. This is an unforgettable memory of Lima 2019, where hard work paid off for Peruvian athletes like Alexandra Grande, who has always strived to be the best. 

There is nothing impossible when dreams are big. More than a motivational phrase applied to the sport, the Peruvian men’s kata team uses it for life. Carlos Lam, John Trebejo and Oliver Del Castillo have won many gold medals in the Olympic cycle, but none like the one earned at home with the support of thousands of people. This will remain in the history of Peruvian sport. 

The tears in their eyes, the sincere hugs with their parents, who were in the first row, and the hundreds of memories in their minds, closed on a high note this wonderful afternoon. The results of the seven judges declared them as winners with a score of 25.48 out of 24.20 from Mexico, and the emotions overflow. 

The four-minute routine of the Peruvians were applauded by the audience at the Villa El Salvador Sports Center and athletes felt that energy. “It’s a unique experience to win a medal at home. In fact, we were shaking when we heard the applauses for us and my teammates who also got medals on this unforgettable day,” said Carlos Lam. 

Meanwhile, John Trebejo thanked all the people who played a significant role in this achievement. “It’s been many years of training. In every competition we participated in, we always dreamed of this moment at home. Everyone plays a significant role, especially our sensei Jimmy Moreno, who trained us for each of our presentations on the tatami,” he added. 

Lam, Trebejo and Del Castillo have been part of the team since they were very young. They have won South American and Pan American championships, and open international tournaments, but none like the golden medal earned at the Villa El Salvador Sports Center. They feel they have touched the heaven with their hands. 

A Peruvian flag was thrown from the stands, and he held close to his chest. Mariano Wong was excited for his victory at Lima 2019. He screamed and celebrated this bronze medal with the spectators of the Villa El Salvador Sports Center. 

The Peruvian karateka defeated the Mexican Waldo Ramírez in individual kata, collecting the 27th medal for Peru in the medal table. His family, who also rooted for him from the stands, praise his persistence and discipline on the tatami. His sensei Akio Tamashiro hugged him too. 

“I actually didn’t see the score. I just went along with the people’s excitement. At first, I tried to stay calm, but I couldn’t after hugging my family who were on the first row. Winning at home was a personal challenge for me, and I didn’t want to let you down. I’ve given up so many thing to reach the podium at a Pan American Games,” said Mariano Wong. 

It is the first time this karateka, who dreams of claiming the Olympic title, has participated in the Pan American Games. He confessed that the joy he felt by representing his country while playing at home was out of this world: “It was the best competition ever because I had the support of my people at all times. You could hear them clapping and that made me feel so strong. I lost the gold medal, but I couldn’t give up so easily because I was still competing. So, I earned he bronze.” 

Once again, karate brought glory to Peruvian sport in an unforgettable afternoon at Villa El Salvador Sports Center.  The fans at the Lima Sur precinct celebrated every routine performed by the Peruvian athletes. Ingrid Aranda defeated the Brazilian Nicole Mota and won the bronze medal, and the women’s team formed by Saida Salcedo, Sol Romaní and Andrea Almarza.

As soon as the competition ended on the tatami, Aranda raised her hands, with an amazing expression of joy on her face and ran to stand to hug her mother. The seven judges gave her the victory before a standing ovation from the crowd.

Likewise, before the individual bout, it was reported that the Costa Rican delegation would not compete and was disqualified. The Peruvian team placed second in its group and had no rival for the bronze medal match.