Arley Calderón and Arlenis Sierra Gold and Silver at Santiago de Chile Pan American Games

October 22, 2023

Weightlifter Arley Calderón won the gold medal in the 61-kilogram category by lifting 279 kilograms between the snatch and clean and jerk.

Arlenis, the standout Cuban cyclist, finished second on the podium in the individual time trial behind American Kristen Faulkner. She still has the road race ahead, her main trump card at the Chile event.

The Cuban delegation is aiming for one hundred medals at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games to match their performance at the Lima 2019 edition and the first one without gold. Weightlifter Arley Calderón won the gold medal in the 61-kilogram category by lifting 279 kilograms between the snatch and clean and jerk. The podium was completed by Mexican Víctor Güémez (276 kg) and Peruvian Luis David Bardales (275 kg).

After failing his first snatch attempt at 122 kilos, Calderón managed to lift 125 on his third try. In the clean and jerk he excelled, lifting 154 on his first attempt to secure the gold medal.

With this performance, the native of Pinar del Río managed to lift the same weight with which he won the gold medal at the Central American Games in San Salvador. However, on that occasion the lifts were different. In the snatch he totaled 124 kilograms and in the clean and jerk he managed to lift 155.

The Cuban athlete was very proud to give his country the first medal and stated that he was fortunate to compete first.

Arlenis Sierra already has her first medal at the Pan American Games in Santiago de Chile. The standout Cuban cyclist had a silver debut at the continental event, finishing in second place in the women's individual time trial, behind American Kristen Faulkner.

Faulkner, the favorite for many experts in the pre-competition period, won with a time of 25:45.38 and was followed by Arlenis, who registered 26:07.11. The bronze went to local Aranza Villalón, with 26:07.28.

In statements to the specialized media Jit, coach Joel Leal praised the performance of the cyclist from Manzanillo on the demanding urban circuit developed in the Chilean locality of Isla del Maipo, south of Santiago. Arlenis Sierra, who competes for the prestigious Spanish team Movistar, is considered among the world's leading road cyclists at present.

Additionally, he confirmed Arlenis's intention to give "good news" in the road race, the main event of his pupil and her biggest trump card at the Chile games.