SANTIAGO, Chile — Team USA had a strong Wednesday on Day 5 of the Parapan American Games, with multiple individual medals and victories in various team events.

Tracey Otto opened up with a gold medal in her individual match in Archery before Jason Tabansky added a silver medal forty minutes later after falling to Brazil’s Eugenio Franco by 12. Kevin Polish squeaked by Costa Rica’s Diego Quesada in a 145-142 win in the compound open, and Candice Ceasar added a bronze for the USA. 

After a loss to Canada yesterday, Team USA bounced back in Mixed Rugby with a semifinal win over Colombia, 52-45. Charles Aoki totaled 24 tries and four steals to propel Team USA to the finals. Clayton Brackett also added six tries and a steal.

The United States also made its mark on Para Athletics with a handful of medals. In the women’s 200m T64 event. Sydney Barta, Beatriz Hatz and Catherine Carey finished first, second and third, respectively. Ryan Medrano was also one of multiple U.S. athletes on Wednesday to earn gold after he set a personal record of 11.20 seconds in the Men’s 100 Meter T38 event. Mirroring track and field, USA swimming medaled multiple times as well.

“I feel fantastic. Of course, after the 400 yesterday, exhausted and dead, but this one — more energy after the race,” Medrano said.

Joshua Cinnamo earned a gold in men’s Shot Put F46, Brianna Salinaro and Delaney Nolin earned a gold and silver medal in Women’s 200 meter T35.

Men’s and women’s goalball were each victorious in their first knockout stage games. Men’s won 11-2 over Colombia, and the women shutout Guatemala in a 10-0 win.

“When it comes out to the knockout stage, especially a team like Colombia… we expect them to fight because now it’s really about punching your ticket to go to Paris,” Team USA’s Keith Young said after its goalball victory.

The United States had no problem defeating the home favorite Chile in the quarterfinals of men’s wheelchair basketball as the USA shot over 50 percent from inside the arc while holding Chile to a lowly 12 percent.

CP Football defended well against Venezuela and earned a 1-0 victory off of a Shea Hammond winner

“Every game is a battle and Venezuela gave us a really competitive match today which we love to see. We would’ve liked to see maybe a couple more goals but we got the job done today and that’s all that matters,” said John Sullivan.

PHOTO OF THE DAY:

On Thursday: The day will be highlighted by Team USA Wheelchair Rugby’s gold matchup against Canada at 19:00 CLT. Dana Mathewson and Maylee Phelps will also look to take a gold medal in the women’s doubles match against Brazil in wheelchair tennis. Women’s wheelchair basketball will also attempt to reach the finals in a matchup against Brazil. 

Team USA will also compete in Para Athletics, Badminton, Track, Goalball and CP Football.

Check out the Wheelchair Sports Federation Media page for constant coverage throughout the 2023 Parapan American Games.

Photo courtesy of Marcelo Hernandez | Santiago 2023 vía Photosport