New Cuban Medals in Para-pan American Games

Guadalajara, Mexico, Nov 15. -The Cuban swimming team on Tuesday won a new title in the 4th Parapan American Games, thanks to Yunerki Ortega in the 50 meters freestyle, in the S11 category.Ortega (totally blind) surprised in the last minute at the Aquatic Center Scotiabank, winning the gold medal with a time of 29.12 seconds, which is a national record.

Brazilian Matheus Souza (29.52) won the silver and U.S. Tharon Drake the bronze (30.84).

In another competition, Cuban Julio Cesar Soria won the silver in the 100 meters backstroke.

According to Soria, his second place was remarkable because he had to change categories, from the S12 (severely limited visual acuity) to S13 (weak sight), and his chances of winning the title were more difficult.

Meanwhile, Cuban Omara Durand won the second title for her country in the track and field competition.

Durand ran without much trouble against two Brazilians, while recording 56.88 seconds, which was far from her personal best (54.87), won at the 2011 World Athletics Championship in New Zealand.

The silver and bronze medals went to Joana Silva (1:03.37) and Viviane Suares (1:06.14).

In the table tennis competition, Cuban Yanelis Silva remained undefeated in the TT3 (wheelchair) category, while winning three times, after adjusting the schedule, and qualifying for the finals tomorrow against U.S. Pamela Fontaine. (Prensa Latina)