Brazil achieved its best judo campaign in an edition of the Pan American Games, securing 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 achievements for Brazil, with the competition for mixed teams. Judoka Samanta Soares, Pan-American champion, declared her happiness with the victory.
IT'S CHAMPION! IT'S GOLD! 🥇
Samanta Soares (-78kg) beats Sairy Colon 🇵🇷 by waza-ari and wins another gold medal for Brazil at the Pan de Santiago! 🥋
GIGANTIC, SAMANTA! 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/xdTsmZJoDH
— Team Brasil (@timebrasil) October 30, 2023
Cargnin's injury
However, the day also brought the negative news of judoka Daniel Cargnin's injury. After imaging tests, a fracture in the athlete's left ankle was confirmed, which will require surgery. The injury occurred during the semi-final of the under-73kg category, where Gabriel Falcão also represented Brazil. Daniel Cargnin's surgery will be carried out in the next few days, after his return to the country.
