Campo Grande track and field athlete Yeltsin Jacques won the gold medal on Tuesday afternoon (21), first place in the 5,000 meters, class T11 (visually impaired athletes) in athletics at the 2023 Parapan American Games. took place at the Centro Atlético Mario Recordón, National Stadium, Santiago, Chile.

The Mato Grosso native completed the course in 15:13:10, setting a new Parapan American record in the race. Until then, the lowest time recorded in the continental competition had been that of the Toronto-2015 edition, with a mark of 15min39s54, established by Canadian Jason Joseph Dunkerley.

In the Chilean capital, Yeltsin ran alongside two guide athletes, who took turns during the course: Edelson Ávila and Guilherme Ademilson Santos. With the support of his teammates, the Mato Grosso do Sul athlete overcame competition from seven other competitors and, as a bonus, won Brazil’s first gold medal in the sport.

Yeltsin emphasized the fans’ support. “I just have to thank those who encourage and encourage us, especially the people of Mato Grosso do Sul. A hug to all of you. I already miss our land, our warmth. Me and the boys [atletas-guia] We are doing well and we have already shown what we are going to do in Paris [nos Jogos Olímpicos] next year”.

And there was a green and yellow double on the podium. Indeed, the Brazilian Júlio César Agripino finished the 5,000 meters in third place, with a time of 15:36:71. Silver was won by Rosbil Yohon Guillen, of Peru, in 15:28:52. This is Yeltsin’s second gold medal in the 5,000 meters at Parapan, after winning the same event at Toronto-2015. In Lima-2019, it was bronze.

Yeltsin Jacques’ participation in Santiago-2023 does not stop there. The next event of the competition will be the 1,500 meters semi-final on Friday (24), at 4:30 p.m. (local time). In the 1,500 meters, the native of Mato Grosso is looking for his third title (Toronto-2015 and Lima-2019).

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