Bogota 2018: Ones to Watch announced

World Para Powerlifting has announced its Ones to Watch for the Americas Open Championships, set to take place in Bogota, Colombia, between 6 and 9 December.

These five powerlifters are individuals who have the potential to make headlines at the last continental Championships of the year, and full biographies are now available on the website.

Amalia Perez (Mexico)

Far from feeling satisfied after winning the 2017 World Championships and the 2018 Asia-Oceania Open Championships, the three-time Paralympic champion seeks to qualify for her sixth Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Evanio Da Silva (Brazil)

Brazil’s best powerlifter in history claimed silver in the men’s up to 88kg at the European Open Championships in Berck-sur-Mer and is a strong candidate to win gold on Colombian soil.

Jainer Cantillo (Colombia)

Home crowd favourite is in the best moment of his career, having finished fourth at the 2016 Paralympics and fifth at the 2017 Worlds, and will try to successfully defend the continental title in front of his family and friends.

Jose de Jesus Castillo Castillo (Mexico)

Inspired by his dramatic win in the men’s up to 107kg at the 2017 World Championships in Mexico City, Castillo Castillo aims to take gold at Bogota 2018 and qualify for his fourth Paralympic Games.

Juan Carlos Garrido (Chile)

Fresh from winning bronze at the Asia-Oceania Open and silver at the European Open Championships, Chile’s Parapan American champion is hoping to reach the podium also in his continent.