Managua 2018: Jose Jimenez dreams of gold

“I imagine myself winning gold at this event. It would be important for our country. I will continue training hard so that I can fulfill my dream of winning a title and give my people great joy.”

Paralympic wheelchair racer Jose Jimenez has his sights set on the 2018 Para Central American Games in Managua, Nicaragua, due to begin in exactly one month. “I have big expectations,” he said. “I hope Managua 2018 to be a big celebration of Para sports and stimulate a healthy competition.

“I imagine myself winning gold at this event. It would be important for our country. I will continue training hard so that I can fulfill my dream of winning a title and give my people great joy.”

This is going to be the second Para Central American Games for the Costa Rican, who sealed three silvers on home soil in the men’s 100m, 200m and 400m T54 at San Jose 2013. “I left those Games happy for competing and winning medals, but not entirely satisfied because I could not claim a title.

“I remember receiving my racing wheelchair the day I had to compete, so I did not have the time to get used to it. Still, it was a nice experience.”

Now Jimenez is hoping Managua can act as a springboard for future success at international competitions. “I really hope I can reach my best possible form in the lead-up to the Games and clock good times ahead of the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games.

“I also want to gain further experience because it will help me while I follow the path towards my second Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, in 2020.”

Jimenez made his Paralympic debut at Rio 2016, finishing 15th in the men’s marathon T54 with a time of 1:35:58. “It was an unforgettable experience, something I had never lived before,” the 35-year-old said.

“Rio 2016 was beautiful, exciting and very important for me because it gave me a gateway to many possibilities.”

Jimenez also cherishes the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games as he was Costa Rica’s flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony. “To represent a country like that was incredible. I am super happy because my effort of so many years was rewarded with such an amazing opportunity.

“But there are new exciting challenges ahead and do not want to stay in the past. One of my biggest dreams was to compete at a Parapans and a Paralympics. Now I want more; I aim to finish within the top five at a World Marathon Major. I believe that is the only thing missing.”

Around 250 athletes from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama will compete across six sports: athletics, boccia, goalball, powerlifting, swimming and wheelchair basketball.

San Jose, Costa Rica, staged the first-ever Para Central American Games from 13-21 April 2013. Athletes from the host country competed alongside El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.

More information about Managua 2018 is available on its official website (in Spanish).