Golden Day for Chilean Hosts
With the second day of action complete, Chile finished with five gold medals. Barbara Riveros, Emanuelle Silva, Valentina González, Rodrigo Miranda and Lorena Salamanca all stood atop the podium.
Chile started the day strongly, with Felipe Barazza taking a bronze in the triathlon, adding to his performance at the Pucón Ironman for a great start to the year. Barbara Riveros went even better, with the Australian based triathlete defending her Medellin victory.
“Chicka” was not impressed with the course, saying that the race was not up to world standards before the event, but was ecstatic with the victory. She highlighted the impact of racing with the Chilean crowd behind her. “Whenever I race there is always Chilean support, but being in Chile is very powerful, with a special energy,” she said to La Tercera.
Riveros was not Chile’s first gold medalist though, inline skater Emanuelle Silva, winning the 300 metre speed skating time trial. While María José Moya was another golden hopeful, she had to settle for bronze in the same event.
At Lago Los Morros, the Chilean team topped the medal table for the water ski event. At just 15 years old, Valentina González jumped further than the rest of her opponents, with a jump of 39.1 metres. It was gold again for Chile in the men’s event, with Rodrigo Miranda beating brother Felipe in the jump.
Chile lead the medal table for the water ski event with a total nine medals (2 golds, 4 silver, 3 bronze). Rodrigo’s third and final jump, Rodrigo launched 64 metres from the ramp. The jump was slightly below the 65.6 metre jumps each brother did during the World Championships at the same venue in 2013.
Felipe was four metres behind, looking to save himself for the overall competition, which will take place tomorrow. The younger Miranda won the overall title in 2013 and has stated than anything less than victory in the event would be a failure.
Chile last gold medal of the day went to Lorena Salamanca in karate. The under 68 kg fighter dedicated her victory against Priscila Lazo (Ecuador) to her family and the Mapuche population. Daniela Lepin had given the same dedication after taking bronze in the under 61 kg division.
#Odesur2014: Chile suma su 5° medalla de oro. Lorena Salamanca se queda con la presea dorada en el Karate -68 kilos pic.twitter.com/XbelN9LasU
— InfoCL en Odesur2014 (@InformacionesCL) March 8, 2014
Two of Chile’s biggest hopes for victory had to settle with silver, with Kristel Köbrich scuttled once again by Venezuela’s Andreína Pinto. Giant wrestler Andrés Ayub also fell to Venezuelan opposition.
Chile’s female footballers got off to a strong start with a 1-0 victory against Argentina, while the same clash in handball saw a hard fought victory for Argentina.
Chile are now fifth on the medal table, with Argentina currently on top. The Transandean neighbours have just as many gold as Brazil, but a superior silver medal count keeps them ahead. Venezuela are in third place, while the same difference separates Colombia from Chile.
Ecuador (3) and Peru (2) have also won gold medals, while Paraguay, Panama and Surinam have all won medals.
About the Author
Daniel Boyle Founder of @sportslashlife. Australian living in Chile. Freestyle footbag player and passionate sports fan.
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