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Lima 2019: Love story brings glory in the pool
Power couple Daniela Gimenez and Gonzalo Dutra scoop Parapan American medals 01 Sep 2019
Daniela Gimenez and Gonzalo Dutra are officially Lima’s pool power couple after both claimed podium places at the Parapan American Games on Saturday.
Lima 2019 was the first major competition they shared since they started dating; and it could not have gone better.
Argentina’s Gimenez won the women’s 100m breaststroke SB9, ending her time at the Aquatic Centre at VIDENA with two golds and three silvers.
Her boyfriend Dutra, from Uruguay, took bronze in the men’s 100m breaststroke SB9 behind Brazilian Lucas Mozela and Canadian Patrick Waters.
Gimenez said: “Lima was super special because they were my fourth Parapan American Games. The fact the Argentinian delegation is so big with so many young athletes making their debut made me feel nostalgic and think about my career. I feel bit old.”
“Apart from that, having my parents and sister supporting me here in Lima is special. These Games meant a lot to me both sentimentally and emotionally, and reassured me many things as an athlete”
“Gonza (Dutra) swam right before me so I could not watch him. But when I saw he had won bronze I literally starting jumping in joy and gave me extra energy for my race. He deserved it.”
Dutra added: “These Games were great. It is new to me to be in the podium. I could train well before thanks to Daniela who invited me to swim in Argentina and prepare much better than for previous Games.
“My first two races in Lima were not good, but luckily I had another opportunity and did well. I am very happy to take a medal to Uruguay.”
Sensational seven for Colombia
It was another dream day for Colombian swimmers as they claimed multiple titles in the pool.
Daniel Giraldo won gold in the men’s 200m medley SM12 in the morning, and again in the 100m freestyle S12 in the afternoon.
Nelson Crispin also added two golds to Colombia’s haul following victories in the men’s 200m medley SM6 and 100m freestyle S6.
The remaining gold medals were achieved by Paralympic champion Carlos Serrano (men’s 200m medley SM7), Leider Lemus Rojas (men’s 100m breaststroke SB11) and Sara Vargas (women’s 100m freestyle S6).
Brazil finish top
The final Para swimming medals table finds Brazil atop with 53 golds, 45 silvers and 29 bronze. Mexico ended second with 27, 33 and 23; while Colombia completed the podium with 25, 11 and 21.
Full results are available on the Lima 2019 website.
