Powerlifting records fall at 2013 Parapan American Youth Games

Last day of powerlifting sees two junior world records broken in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 19 Oct 2013

Powerlifting at the 2013 Parapan Youth Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The fourth day of competition at the 2013 Parapan American Youth Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina saw junior world records smashed in powerlifting.

First to rewrite the record books was Brazilian Lucas Tavares with a gold medal winning lift of 121kg in the up to 59kg class.

"For me, this award is an unexpected event, which is dedicated to my parents for their support," said Tavares who started preparing for the Games four months ago, training five to seven hours each day.

In the evening session, much to the delight of the home crowd, 18 year old Argentinian Lucas Gareca broke the junior world record in the 88-107kg class, lifting 145kg to win gold.

"I'm excited, this is not expected. I knew I could win but did not expect it would be a world record," said Gareca who embraced his coaches David Coronel and Matía Bernatene after his win. Gareca has now set his sights on his first international competition this November in Brazil in a bid to qualify for next year’s World Championships in Dubai, UAE.

Away from powerlifting, Brazil won boccia gold in the individual medley categories BC2, BC3, BC4, while Venezuela won gold in the individual medley BC1 class.

In wheelchair tennis, Chile - through Brayan Tapia and Miguel Coronado Barra – took gold in the men’s doubles beating the Argentinian pair of Colotta Ignacio and Palacio Facundo 6-1 6-2.

The last day of track and field saw Brazil finish top of the medals table amassing 38 gold, 16 silver and 7 bronze medals. Argentina were second winning 84 medals overall, including 32 golds.

Heading into the final day of swimming Brazil lead the medals table, followed by Mexico and Colombia.

In football 7-a-side Venezuela thrashed Chile 6-0 while Colombia beat Mexico 3-1. On Saturday (19 October) the two group winners - hosts Argentina and Brazil – will contest the gold medal match and Colombia and Venezuela will meet to decide who wins bronze.

Saturday marks the final day of competition and gold medals will also be decided in goalball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis.

For the latest results and medals, please visit the Parapan American Youth Games website.