Panam Sports » USA leads in C1 and K1 canoeing

America leads the way in C1 and K1 canoeing

Team USA won three dazzling gold medals at the 2023 Pan American Games on the Aconcagua River in the Los Andes region, thanks to an impeccable performance in the kayak slalom event.

Sunday morning’s final on the Aconcagua River was filled with celebrations, shouts of encouragement and emotional hugs from the great North American canoe slalom winner. The test was very difficult due to the strong current and cold water.

The leading American team was led by Zachary Lokken, who took first place and the gold medal in the men’s C1 competition with a score of 95.87. In addition, this athlete previously won the gold medal in the same event at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima.

“I’m very happy. I dedicate my victory to my coach Raphael Smalling. Without him this wouldn’t be possible. Thanks to my girlfriend Ana María Fargueri and my parents for supporting me in my career. ” said Lokken.

In addition, the women’s team is not far behind. Evy Leibfarth scored 102.32 points (+6.34) in the women’s K1 style (canoe) in the fourth race on the final morning.

Despite his young age, this athlete has a long history in the sport of kayaking. He won a bronze medal at the 2021 World Canoe Slalom Championships and two medals at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, including individual K1 gold and extreme K1 silver.

“I was really happy, I found it hard at first because of the power of the river water and I felt like I had reached my limit because my arms felt so tired. I was nervous because I saw what my teammates were doing, but instead of paying attention, I was focused on my career. I didn’t expect to win a gold medal in my country,” commented the medalist.

Another North American athlete who won a gold medal for his country was Joshua Joseph, who scored 91.12 points in the men’s K1 event. This is Joseph’s second Pan American medal, having won the K1 Extreme silver medal at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima.

The U.S. national anthem was played three times in a row at the venue and official awards ceremony, thus completing the medal list for the canoe slalom C1 and K1 categories of the Pan American Games this morning. San Diego 2023.

Brazil, another big winner

With samba music playing in the background, the Brazilian team was another big winner in the canoeing competition. In the first men’s C1 event, Brazilian player Kaua da Silva ranked second on the podium with a score of 97.22 points and won the silver medal. He was just 1.35 seconds behind the big winner, Zachary Lokken from the United States.

“I didn’t get the gold medal, but I was very happy with the silver medal. The most difficult thing is to compete with yourself. Your mental state is not very good and your concentration is very concentrated. I dedicate this achievement to my family, God and my Brazilian team. “Da Silva said.

In third place is Paraguay representative Leonardo Curcel with a score of 110.65. When he learned he would win the bronze medal, he cried with joy and hugged his entire team. He excitedly dedicated his achievement to his wife who supported him in his homeland.

The second competition was women’s C1 kayaking. Ana Satilla from Brazil took first place with 108.52 points and won the gold medal. Lois Betteridge from Canada ranked second with 119.69 points and won the silver medal. In third place was Paraguay, with Ana Paula Fernandez Castro winning a second bronze medal with 160.97 points.

Ana Satila wins her third consecutive gold medal in the women’s C-1 event at the Pan American Games, in addition to a gold medal in the 2019 Extreme K-1 event in Lima and a silver medal at the 2015 Toronto Olympics . This afternoon, she will take part in what will be her sixth medal and perhaps fifth Pan American Games gold when he competes again in the K-1 Extreme.

The last two silver medals for Brazilian canoeists were won in the men’s K1 and women’s K1 competitions. Pedro Goncalves scored 94.08 points and Omira Estacia Neta scored 110.54 points to complete the podium in their respective events.

“With this sport you need support, you need support and Brazil are very good at that. This is why we have many young athletes who are very fond of kayaking and strive for this sport. “Satira said.

“We are doing a tough job. We have worked hard over the years with the Olympic Committee and everyone who works for us,” Goncalves commented.

In the afternoon, the winners of the women’s and men’s extreme K1 competition will be announced. Baldoni from Canada, Robles from Peru, Contreras from Argentina and Ivelic from Chile will face off in the river and go all out. Stay consistent with the game. Earn the coveted first place on the podium and gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Games in San Diego.

Screenplay by Valentina Lopez and Maria Jesus Nunez