Cali 2019: Hosts dominate National Open
11.04.2019Colombian athletes stand out in shooting Para sport event
Maria Teresa Restrepo (C) ended the Cali Open as the most decorated athlete with three golds and a silver medal
© • NPC Colombia
Colombian athletes topped the medals table at their home Shooting Para Sport National Open in Cali, finishing with eight golds, nine silvers and nine bronze.
Maria Teresa Restrepo left as the most decorated athlete after winning gold in the R3 (mixed 10m air rifle prone SH1), R6 (mixed 50m rifle prone SH1), P2 (women’s air pistol SH1) and R3 (mixed team air rifle prone SH1). The Colombian followed that up with silver in R6 (mixed team 50m rifle prone SH1).
“In shooting Para sport you need to be calm and patient. It is a sport that requires precision. If you have that, everything is possible,” Restrepo said.
Colombia also won two more individual golds courtesy of Fabio Orjuela in the R7 (men’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1) and Cesar Duran in the new Paralympic event of R9 (mixed 50m rifle prone SH2).
The remaining two titles came in team events: R6 (mixed 50m rifle prone SH1) and P1 (men’s air pistol SH1).
Cuba, Brazil and Peru celebrate
Three more countries reached the top of the podium on Colombian soil.
Cuba won three gold medals thanks to Yenigladys Suarez Echevarria (SH1), who claimed two, and Marino Heredia Rodriguez (SH1).
Bruno Stov Kiefer (SH2) earned Brazil their two titles in the competition. “I am very happy for having won two golds and having achieved qualification for the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games,” he said.
Peru’s sole representative Jorge William Arcela Godoy had a fabulous performance by capturing gold in the R1 (men’s air rifle standing SH1).
Uruguay and USA secured one silver and one bronze each, while Mexico collected one bronze.
Argentina and Puerto Rico were also in attendance at the competition between 4 and 11 April, which served as preparation for Lima 2019, where shooting Para sport will make its Parapan American debut.
