An exciting muaythai tournament has come to a successful conclusion in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Pan-Americans 2018 saw some of the brightest names in muaythai take to the ring, with host nation Argentina claiming the Best Team award.
The final day saw 21 bouts at elite level, nine in the women’s divisions and the remainder in the men’s. The youth divisions were concluded on Saturday, see here for report.
The team award was tightly contested with medals awarded across youth and adult levels counted in the final tally. Argentina won the top prize to the delight of the crowd, with Canada and Peru coming second and third respectively.
Lisanne Van Der Molen won gold for Peru at 60kg – adding to her bronze at world level – in a tough bout with newcomer Selina Flores USA. Peru also claimed wins in the men’s with Ian Escuza and Gabriel Mazzetti (71kg) giving them third place overall in the team rankings.
Team Canada claimed second place overall, taking four golds, three silvers, and two bronze medals. Scott MacKenzie took gold at 75kgs, the most keenly contested division with the largest number of athletes entered according to the organisers. The remaining golds went to Josimar Tullock (54kg), Sarah Carter (75kg) and Taylor McClatchie (57kg).
Smaller teams also staked a place on the podium. Colombia were thrilled to add an elite level gold to their youth win from Saturday, making this their most successful tournament in terms of results. Juan Vasquez defeated Canadian Daniel Sopa at 60kgs for a result reflecting years of hard work by the fledgling Colombia federation.
Brazil did very well, taking bronze and silver medals in both men’s and women’s divisions. Felipe Macolino took silver against Argentina’s Samuel Churra, and Aline Rodrigues medalled against Canadian Sarah Carter (75kg).
Team Mexico claimed gold, silver and bronze in both divisions, with the 81kg gold going to Miguel Padilla, and silver to Julieta Ortiz among other podium-places. Chile claimed bronze in the women’s divisions at 51kg.
But the day belonged to host team Argentina, claiming the overall prize with medal wins at both elite and youth levels. One of the more emotional stories was the 71kg battle when veteran athlete Martin Gil was taking part in his final tournament – claiming silver to his delight. We wish him the best of luck with his new career as a coach and instructor.
Youth athlete Malena Chugarcia stepped up to the adult ranks, claiming bronze for Argentina.
Elisa Salinas, head of the Mexican Muaythai Federation but also head of the Pan-American Confederation said she was so proud to see such a great tournament happening in the region. She congratulated all of the medal winners, and graciously gave out during the awarding ceremonies.
Miguel Carpinacci, head of the Argentine Federation and also organising the event said he’s looking forward to a quiet Christmas, and feeling very proud of his athletes for representing their home so well.
Look back on Muaythai MTA (Argentina) for full results and of course on IFMA Facebook IFMA Twitter photos and video!
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