The second event of the Para Powerlifting World Cup allowed Peru to win a second bronze medal obtained by Niel García in the -59 kg weight division. Peru's best Para powerlifter lifted 130 kg on the third attempt, despite having an injury that prevented him from beating his personal record. This is his second bronze medal in this type of tournaments, that is useful as a test event for Lima 2019.
With a motor impairment in his legs since birth, Niel still has many goals to achieve. The next goal is to reach the top of the podium in the Parapan American Games to ensure his qualification for Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. With eight South American titles and a silver medal in Rio 2007 Parapan American Games, he believes that this is his most emotional achievement.
“This is the first time that my family and my two-years-old son saw me win a medal. It is a moment that I will forever treasure in my heart, even though I did not beat my record. I am holding up a bit until Lima 2019 Games, because of the injuries I have. I hope to lift 150 kg in Lima 2019 Games, win the gold and qualify for Tokyo 2020 Games," said Niel García.
The Lima 2019 executive director Carlos Neuhaus awarded Para athletes winners in the Sports Center 2 at VIDENA and supervise the development of the test event. The event will begin tomorrow at 10:0030 and will close with the -80 kg, -88 kg and -107 kg categories.
FREE ADMISSION
To promote this sport in our country, tickets are free for the general public. People can collect tickets by showing a physical ID, at Gate 2, located on Av. Del Aire. Tickets can be collected one hour before the starting of the event.
ABOUT LIMA 2019
The Parapan American Games will gather 1890 Para athletes from 33 countries, participating in 17 sports and 18 disciplines. The competitions will take place between August 23 and September 1, 2019. Likewise, 13 sports will grant quotas for Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Para powerlifting will be held from August 29 to 31 in the Sports Center 2 at VIDENA. The best 90 Para athletes of the Americas will compete in 20 events per weight, evenly divided into men’s and women’s categories.