Lima 2019: Vote for Best Female Athlete

Ten countries represented among nominations 26 Sep 2019

Photos of ten female athlete nominated as Lima 2019's Best Female Athlete

ⒸLima 2019 / Comité Paralímpico de Chile

The Americas Paralympic Committee (IPC) has revealed the shortlist for the Best Female Athlete of August based on performances at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games, and the public can now vote for the winner on our website.

In lieu of the Americas Athlete of the Month award for August, the honour is being separated into three different categories – Best Female Athlete, Best Male Athlete and Best Team – based on results at Lima 2019.

People can vote until Thursday (3 October).

Amalia Pérez, Mexico, powerlifting

Bounced back after a disappointing performance at the 2019 World Championships to win the Parapan title in the women’s up to 55kg.

a female powerlifter holds up her gold medal and points her fingers to the sky

Ana Custodio, Brazil, goalball

Led the Brazilian women’s goalball team that took gold at Lima 2019 following a victory over USA in the final.

two female goalball players trying to stop a shot

Angélica Espinoza, Peru, taekwondo

Peru’s flag bearer and taekwondo fighter took the title in the women’s up to 49kg in front of a roaring crowd.

a female Para taekwondo athlete raises her arms in celebration

Daniela Giménez, Argentina, swimming

Claimed gold in the 200m individual medley and 200m breaststroke SB9, as well as three silvers to finish as her country’s most decorated athlete in Lima.

a female Para swimmer raises her arms in celebration in the pool

Jessica Lewis, Bermuda, athletics

Enjoyed her best Parapan American performance ever with golds in the 100m and 400m T53, and silver in 800m T53.

a female wheelchair racer clenches her fist as she crosses the finish line

Lisbeli Verá, Venezuela, athletics

Sprang into the international scene at just 17 years old with gold in 400m T47, and silvers in 100m and 200m T47.

a female Para athlete raises her arms in celebration on the finish line

Omara Durand, Cuba, athletics

The world’s fastest female Paralympian delivered once again with another hat-trick of titles in the 100m, 200m and 400m T12.

a female vision impaired runner hugs her guide

Poleth Mendes, Ecuador, athletics

Broke a Parapan American record with a 12.75 throw on her way to gold in the women’s shot put F20.

Ecuadorian Poleth Mendes stands on the podium with the gold medal hanging around her neck

Sara Vargas, Colombia, swimming

Lima 2019’s youngest athlete at 12 was a huge sensation in the pool after winning four golds and one silver.

a female Para swimmer in the pool sticks her tongue out

Tamara Leonelli, Chile, table tennis

Claimed the honours of being the first gold medallist of Lima 2019 after taking the title in the women’s class 5.

a female wheelchair table tennis player punches the air in victory

Nominations are compiled from submissions by National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) from across the continent.

The 2019 Americas Athlete of the Month winners are:

• January – Johanna Sossa and Johana Martinez, Colombia, wheelchair tennis

• February – Rebeca Valenzuela Alvarez, Mexico, athletics

• March – Matias Pino, Chile, table tennis

• April – Daniel Martins, Brazil, athletics

• May – Sherman Guity, Costa Rica, athletics

• June – Luis Flores, Chile, table tennis

• July – Juan Carlos Garrido, Chile, powerlifting