Men’s 800 (T53) _ Brent Lakatos, Dorval, Que., won the gold medal in a Parapan Am record one minute, 43.90 seconds.
Canada was in contention for more medals later Wednesday as star swimmer Benoit Huot, of Longueuil, Que., competed in the men’s S10 200-metre individual medley.
“I surprised myself. I had a lot of fun in this race”.
Brazil though were beaten 2-1 by Mexico in the final of the women’s 4-5 team class final, with Martha Verdin and Maria Paredas winning the crucial doubles match against Joyce Oliveria and Maria Pereira to seal victory. “I have to congratulate Andre because he went the best time”. Isaac Bouckley, of Montreal, was fourth in 2:22.38. Katarina Roxon, of Kippens, N.L, was second in 2:39.45.
“It’s been a long summer”, said the 19-year-old, who was born without a left hand.
During the morning the 16-year-old from Caledon, Ont., won the S7 100 freestyle in 1:15.46 seconds. Brazil led with 80 gold and 196 total medals while the United States was third with 32 gold and 107 total.
Rivard continued her dominant performance in Toronto, winning her fifth gold medal of the Games. I wasn’t super-pressured to do well, there wasn’t that much expectation on me.
It’s the only sport designed specifically for blind and visually-impaired athletes. “It was the icing on the cake”, said the Montreal native. Placing third in the race for the intellectually challenged was Kirstie Kasko, of Okotoks, Alta., in 1:29.54. Gordie Michie, St Thomas, Ont., took silver in the SM14 men’s 200 IM and Adam Rahier of Powell River, B.C., won bronze. She swam a Parapan Games record 1:02.18 for the fastest qualifying time.
“It’s all about the process”, he said. “I think I’m taking a handle on it”.
Karen Van Nest of Wiarton, Ont., settled for silver in women’s archery, blaming jitters in front of the home crowd for partially costing her gold.
The women had an easier time against their Cuban opponents, who didn’t win a single set at the Parapan Am Games.
Hamilton’s Alex Radoman captured bronze in the men’s 81kg category by beating American Ryan Jones by Ippon in 1:28.00.
The U.S. men’s sitting volleyball team beat Canada 26-24, 25-23, 16-25, 25-21.
Calgary’s Jennifer Brown won the gold in F20/37/38 women’s shot put with a throw of 10.42 and Renee Foessel, Mississauga, Ont. won the silver at 10.14.
“We are aiming for long-term goals”, said Foessel.
Kenneth Trudgeon, of London, Ont. won the bronze in F46 men’s discus with 37.12.
Guillaume Ouellet of Victoriaville, Que also took home a gold in the men’s T13 1500m. Kyle Whitehouse of St. Catharines, Ont., added a gold medal in the men’s T38 200. They will face Brazil on Friday in the semis. “We’re just so happy to be going to Rio!” Verfuerth, who received a wild card into this year’s US Open Wheelchair Competition in Flushing, N.Y., is also the head coach of the girls’ tennis team at Flagstaff High School. Both teams will play Canada in the semifinals Friday, with the medal round to follow Saturday.
Women _ Canada (1-3) lost 3-0 to Brazil in the semifinals.