Host Brazil won its first
gold medal at the 2007 Pan American Games on Sunday while the
United States continued impressive show to quickly increase its
medal total.
To the delight of a vibrant crowd at the Riocentro complex,
Diogo Silva beat Peru's Peter Lopez to win the men's 68kg
taekwondo title. The gold came after six silver medals and five
bronze for Brazil so far.
Earlier, Andy Potts won the United States' first gold of the
day and secured a spot for his country in next year's Beijing
Olympics by winning the men's triathlon.
Potts finished the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer riding and
10-kilometer run in one hour 52 minutes and 31 seconds. Canada's
Brent McMahon grabbed the silver in 1:52:38.19, and Juraci Moreira
Junior was third in 1:52: 54.79.
Julie Ertel won the women's event in 1:20:47 and also earned an
Olympic qualifying spot for the United States next year. Sarah
Haskins of the United States was second and Lauren Groves of
Canada was third.
The Americans started out the shooting portion with a bang by
earning four medals in three different disciplines.
Sandra Uptagrafft claimed the first piece of hardware for the
U.S. shooting team by snagging a gold medal in the women's 25
meter pistol event. However, Uptagrafft is no stranger to the
medal stand as she also took home gold at the 2003 Pan American
Games.
"I was really happy with the results," said Uptagrafft after
her victory. "It was a real honor to compete with this great group
of athletes."
The United States also had a strong showing in the men's 10
meter air rifle, by occupying the top two spots on the medal
stand. Jason Parker earned a gold medal with a point total of
695.8, while team mate Matt Rawlings took home the silver medal
with a 694.2 point total.
In the women's 10 meter air rifle, the United States was
represented by Amy Sowash who claimed a silver medal behind Cuba's
Englis Yaima Cruz Farfan.
Like Brazil, Argentina also won its first gold medal with
Gabriela Diaz in women's BMX cycling, beating out Jaqueline Mourao
of Brazil and Kimmy Diquez of Venezuela.
Jason Richardson of the United States won gold in the men's BMX
event.
In the women's cycling individual time trial, Anne Samplonius
of Canada beat Alessandra Grassi of Mexico and Clemilda Fernandes
Silva of Brazil to claim the title.
In weightlifting, Yudelquis Contreras of the Dominican Republic
won the 53-kg women's class, beating Colombia's Ana Margot Lemos
and American Melanie Roach.
Iridia Salazar beat Canada's Shannon Condie in the women's
57-kg taekwondo final to earn Mexico its third gold in Rio.
The United States also won the equestrian team dressage,
leading the medals table with 11 gold. Mexico was next with three
gold medals.
The Pan American Games, which opened Friday, will run until
July 29.