Brazil achieved its best judo performance in an edition of the Pan American Games, winning gold, silver and bronze medals in Santiago. Judoka Samanta Soares won gold in the 78kg category, Rafael Macedo took silver in the 90kg category, and Kayo Santos (100kg), Rafael Silva (+100kg) and Beatriz Souza (+78kg) secured bronze medals. With these achievements, Team Brazil reached a total of 15 medals in the competition, surpassing the 2011 campaign in Guadalajara, where 13 medals were won. There are still chances of more victories for Brazil in the mixed team competition. Pan American champion judoka Samanta Soares declared her happiness at the victory.
SHE'S A CHAMPION! IT'S GOLD! 🥇
Samanta Soares (-78kg) beats Sairy Colon 🇵🇷 by waza-ari and wins another gold medal for Brazil at the Pan Santiago Games! 🥋
GIGANTIC, SAMANTA! 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/xdTsmZJoDH
- Team Brazil (@timebrasil) October 30th, 2023
Cargnin lesion
However, the day also brought the negative news of judoka Daniel Cargnin's injury. After imaging tests, a fracture was confirmed in the athlete's left ankle, which will require surgery. The injury occurred during the semi-final of the 73kg category, where Gabriel Falcão was also representing Brazil. Daniel Cargnin's surgery will take place in the next few days, after his return to the country.
