The Karate competition of the 2023 Pan American Games concluded Sunday with a thrilling final day that crowned Thomas Scott of the United States, Andres Madera of Venezuela, and Barbara Hellen Rodrigues of Brazil.

Thomas Scott of the United States became one of the stars of the final day, since he added the Pan American Games title to his impressive list of honours. The six-time continental champion beat Carlos Julian Villarreal in the final of Male Kumite -75kg 3-2 and wins his third consecutive Pan American Games gold, thus perpetuating his domination of the category. Hosts of Chile topped the final medal table of the Karate event, followed by the United States and Venezuela.

The bronze medals were taken by Juan Felipe Landazuri of Colombia and Allan David Maldonado of the Independent Athletes Team.

BACK-TO-BACK CONTINENTAL AND PAN AMERICAN GAMES TITLES FOR ANDRES MADERA

Andres Madera of Venezuela produced the biggest upset of the day as he prevented one more gold medal from going to the host country. The current continental champion defeated Chile’s Tomas Lisandro Freire in a tight bout that was decided by “Senshuu” or first unopposed point 3-3. After claiming two consecutive continental titles, Madera leads the category of Male Kumite -67kg with the Pan American crown.

The bronze medals were claimed by Chile’s Camilo Esteban Velozo and Panama’s Alberto Galvez.

GOLD FOR BARBARA HELLEN RODRIGUES IN FEMALE KUMITE -68KG

Barbara Hellen Rodrigues of Brazil won the gold medal in Female Kumite -68kg after beating Wendy Mariy Ann Mosquera of Colombia in the final 4-2. Rodrigues, who was the 2022 continental champion, wins her second medal this year after taking bronze at the PKF Championships.

The bronze medals in the category went to Melissa Bratic of Canada and Skylar Lingl of the United States.

The next edition of the Pan American Games will be held in 2027 in Barranquilla (Colombia)

(Pictures: @gokhantnr)

2023 PAN AMERICAN GAMES