Six Golds for Young Chilean Athletes

Chile’s young athletes have given the country hope for the future, taking six gold medals at the under 23 South American Championships in Montevideo, Uruguay.

The Chilean contingent will return with their greatest ever medal haul from the event, finishing with a total of 21 medals. Carlos Díaz won Chile’s sixth gold in the 1,500 metre race.

The distance events were Chile’s shining light, with Giselle Alvarez taking gold in the 10,000 while Matías Silva doubled up in the 5,000 and 10,000 events. Roberto Tello added a victory in the steeplechase, while Ivana Gallardo was best in the shot put.

With six gold, five silver and ten bronze, Chile improved upon their best ever performance in the event, a significant step from the 17 medals achieved at Barquisimeto in Venezuela in 2004.

The victories show strong signs for the future in Chile, especially in distance events. In the shorter distances, Isidora Jiménez took a silver medal in the 200 metre race.

Tags: athletics, South American Championships