Herbert Aceituno hits top form ahead of Parapans

Herbert Aceituno extended his remarkable success streak by taking his second World Para Powerlifting World Cup title in Lima last weekend.

The 33-year-old Salvadoran lifted a personal best of 178kg to win the men’s up to 65kg and prove once again why he is considered one of the strongest candidates for gold at August’s Parapan American Games.

Last year, he secured the title at the Para Central American Games and Colombia National Competition, as well as the second place at the Americas Open Championships.

“The competitors really liked the venue [located at the VIDENA Sports Complex],” said Aceituno, who won his first World Cup in Rio, Brazil, in 2016. “Lima has been preparing very well to receive Para athletes from across the continent for the Parapan American Games.”

Cuba dominated the competition in Lima with three golds in male events courtesy of Jose Ramon Pena Garcia (up to 49kg), Cesar Rubio Guerra (up to 54kg) and Yuniel Suarez Vargas (up to 72kg).

“I am impressed with the organisation of the event,” Suarez Vargas said. “I also liked the warmth of the Peruvian people and the food. I will happily return for Lima 2019.”

Venezuelan Carlos Betancourt claimed the men’s up to 59kg title and said: “We felt like at home. There was a good atmosphere and we leave thankful.”

Hosts Peru ended the competition with two bronze medals thanks to Diego Quispe (up to 54kg) and Niel Garcia Trelles (up to 59kg).

“This is the first time that my family and my 5-year-old son can watch me winning a medal,” said Garcia Trelles. “I will forever cherish this moment in my heart, even though I did not achieve a personal best as I am keeping my best for Lima 2019.

“I am hoping to lift 150kg at the Parapans, win the gold and qualify for Tokyo 2020.”

Full results are available on World Para Powerlifting’s website.