Lima 2019: Gabriel Cuadra Holmann eyes third Parapans

“I just need to keep training and fighting for my dream of competing at another Parapan American Games. The most important thing of all is that I continue having fun and doing what I like: running.”

Gabriel Cuadra Holmann has turned his focus from sprint and middle to long distance races ahead of the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games, set to take place in 500 days between 23 August and 1 September in the Peruvian capital city.

Nicaragua's most successful Paralympian, who last January took two golds in the men's 800m and 1,500m T38 on home soil at the Managua 2018 Para Central American Games, believes there is still much for him to learn while preparing for Lima 2019.

“I am very excited about travelling to Lima and competing against the best athletes in the continent at the Parapan American Games. But there are many things I need to improve before competition kicks off,” he said.

“There are many things I need to change ahead of Lima 2019 because I am switching to long distance events. I need to focus on maintaining the speed but gaining resistance, which is obviously not easy and requires much hard work.

“I need to improve my times, then decide which races I want to run and focus on those. After that, together with my coach we need to see what I need to do in order to perform well.

“I just need to keep training and fighting for my dream of competing at another Parapan American Games. The most important thing of all is that I continue having fun and doing what I like: running.”

Lima 2019 would be Cuadra Holmann's third Parapans. He made his debut at Guadalajara 2011, where he ended fourth in the 400m and fifth in the 200m T36.

Four years later, he enjoyed the best competition in his career so far by taking double bronze in the 200m and 400m T36 in Toronto, Canada.

“I still remember the amazing atmosphere from those Games. Qualifying for my second Parapans and winning two medals proved my hard work was paying off. I now have both medals in a very special place in my room at home in Nicaragua.

“My family was there in Toronto supporting me. We celebrated together after I won the medals; it was very emotional for me. After returning to Managua, I also got the chance to celebrate with the rest of my relatives and friends. It was unforgettable.

“Toronto is a wonderful city, which I enjoy a lot every time I get the chance to go. I love the country, the culture and admire their outlook on life. I am looking forward now to experiencing the same in Lima.”

Lima 2019 will be held between 23 August and 1 September and will feature a record 1,850 athletes who will compete across 17 sports.