Bogota 2018: Castillo Castillo vs. de Assis Silva

Jose de Jesus Castillo Castillo will start as strong contender for gold in the men’s up to 107kg at the Bogota 2018 World Para Powerlifting Americas Open Championships, between 6 and 9 December.

The Mexican had a 2017 to remember as he won his first World Championship gold on home soil after lifting an Americas record of 236kg. He followed that up with two national titles this year.

Castillo, who also holds the Parapan American gold, will try to successfully defend his Americas Open Championships from 2015 and qualify for what would be his fourth consecutive Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, in 2020.

He achieved his best result at a Paralympics so far at Rio 2016, when he took bronze in the men’s up to 97kg following a 229kg lift.

On the other hand, Mateus de Assis Silva is one of the young promising faces in the Americas powerlifting scene. At 21 years old, he already has several international competitions under his belt.

Brazil´s Youth Parapan American champion ended third at this year´s European Open Championships in France and ninth at the 2017 World Championships. Now, he is hoping to achieve qualification for his maiden Paralympic Games.

Head to Head

PERSONAL INFO

Castillo: Nationality: Mexico. Age: 34

De Assis Silva: Nationality: Brazil. Age: 21

PARALYMPIC GAMES

Castillo: Games: 3 (2008, 2012, 2016)

Medals: 1 (bronze)

De Assis Silva: Has not yet made his debut at a Paralympic Games

DID YOU KNOW?

Castillo: Was inspired to take up the sport after watching a documentary about athletes competing at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games.

De Assis Silva: Brazilian swimmer Daniel Dias and Iranian powerlifter Siamand Rahman are his sporting heroes.

Bogota 2018 will be shown live on World Para Powerlifting’s website and Facebook page, with live results available on the Bogota 2018 website.