3 Reasons Why Niel Garcia will Win a Medal at Lima 2019

Niel García Trelles is the great hope of Team Peru to get a medal in Para powerlifting at Lima 2019. Below are some reasons why he will win a medal in the Parapan American Games next August.

Niel Garcia survived an accident at the age of nine, resulting in severe damage to his spine. However, in his own words, “he never felt any impairment as his childhood was full of excitement.” At the age of 15, he began his sports career through powerlifting in Piura.

This sport was just a hobby at the beginning because at that time he had no idea that Paralympic sports and tournaments existed. Later on, he realized that little by little, the sport was becoming a profession. “At the beginning I competed against athletes, outperforming them and winning national and international events," he says.

Why is he a prospect for a medal in Lima 2019?

1. He is supported by the IPD and the National Paralympic Association of Peru (ANPPERÚ)

He has been part of the Top Peru program of the Peruvian Institute of Sports (IPD) since 2019 and, to remain in it, he has had to participate regularly in each competition. In addition, ANPPERÚ also supports him for the upcoming Lima 2019 competitions.

Currently, as part of his preparation process for the Parapan American Games, he is living at the IPD High Performance Center at VIDENA. This process has helped him to fully focus on his training and nutrition. Despite being away from home, he has been made to feel as if he were there.

2. He won a bronze medal at the last World Para Powerlifting Championship

A couple of months ago, in the same venue where the Para powerlifting competitions will be held in Lima 2019, Niel won the bronze medal for lifting 130 kg in his category (up to 59 kg). That was the first time he had competed in front of his wife and son. The excitement he felt was overwhelming, and he cried tears of joy.

3. His experience in international championships

He participated in the 2016 World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, in the 2018 European Open Championships in France, where he ended fifth, and in the 2018 World Para Powerlifting Americas Open Championship in Bogota, Colombia, where he also won the bronze medal.

Looking forward to the next challenge, his biggest goal is to be at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Niel Garcia knows that qualifying will not be an easy task. Despite having already achieved the minimum qualifying mark, his place is not guaranteed just yet. But his optimism is endless and we are sure that he will succeed.

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