ANGÉLICA ESPINOZA, CANDIDATE FOR LIMA 2019 BEST PARA ATHLETE

The Peruvian flagbearer and Lima 2019 Parapan American Games gold medal winner, Angélica Espinoza, is listed among the candidates for best Para athlete of the American continent of August.

According to the Americas Paralympic Committee (APC), the Peruvian athlete is listed among the nominees revealed for the Best Female Athlete of August, based on their performances at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games. The public can vote for the Peruvian Para athlete until next Thursday, October 3, on the APC official website (https://www.paralympic.org/es/americas-paralympic-committee).

In lieu of the Americas Athlete of the Month award, the APC decided to separate it into three different categories: Best Female Athlete, Best Male Athlete and Best Team, based on results obtained at Lima 2019.

THE CANDIDATES FOR BEST FEMALE ATHLETE ARE:

Angélica Espinoza, Peru, Para taekwondo

Peru’s flagbearer and taekwondo fighter took the title in the women’s -49kg with a packed stand that did not stop cheering her on.

Amalia Pérez, Mexico, Para powerlifting

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

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.

Daniela Giménez, Argentina, Para swimming

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

Jessica Lewis, Bermuda, Para athletics

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

Lisbeli Verá, Venezuela, Para athletics

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

Omara Durand, Cuba, Para athletics

The world’s fastest female Paralympian delivered once again another fantastic performance and too home three titles in the 100 m, 200 m and 400 m T12.

Poleth Mendes, Ecuador, Para athletics

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

Sara Vargas, Colombia, Para swimming

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

Tamara Leonelli, Chile, Table tennis

Became the first gold medalist of Lima 2019 after taking the title in the women’s class 5.

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 Martínez, Colombia, wheelchair tennis

• February – Rebeca Valenzuela Álvarez, Mexico, Para athletics

• March – Matías Pino, Chile, Para table tennis

• April – Daniel Martins, Brazil, Para athletics

• May – Sherman Güity, Costa Rica, Para athletics

• June – Luis Flores, Chile, Para table tennis

• July – Juan Carlos Garrido, Chile, Para powerlifting

SOURCE: Americas Paralympic Committee