Emmanuel González (49 kg) arrived at the Chimkowe gym in Peñalolén to compete in powerlifting at the VII Parapan American Games; the record in his division has remained untouched for 29 years.
The first attempt was enough for him to pulverize the mark and fight his opponents, imposing, in a row, eight marks for the games.
By the time of the second attempt, he had lifted 149 kilograms. In trouble, Brazilian Galvao Dos Santos raised the bar with 150 and forced him to lift at 152.
The man from Granma leaned his anatomy on the chair and threw with all his strength what would have given him the gold medal, but the judges appreciated a movement that broke the record and aroused the amazement of the audience. celebrating his success.
He had to settle for escorting Dos Santos, who couldn’t wipe the joy from his face because he knew he got the best at the right time.
“It was a tough competition, very strong opponents, they made it difficult all the time. I am content with the medal, especially because I improved my scores. I am very grateful to my coach and my family. The next goal is to achieve gold,” he said without leaving any doubt that it was possible.
The competition is so complex that four men have obtained Pan American records, which explains the high level of activity.
His partner Jesús Cuevas reached the bronze medal, but he saw how it ran away after failing at 188 kg.
Brazilian Ezequiel Correa responded with 186 kg in his second attempt to the 185 he lifted in the first.
Because of the strategies of his technical team, he decided to go up to 190, after failing at 188 and he also could not handle the weight.
That took him off the podium by just one kilo. Of course, in his debut he reached fourth place and showed that he still has a lot to do.
