The Karate competition of the Pan American Games ended on Sunday with a glorious final day of action. The spectacular showcase of sporting spirit in Lima concluded with major upsets, outstanding victories and new heroes of the sport being crowned. Thomas Scott of the USA and Joaquin Gonzalez Lavin of Chile were among the stars of the closing day of the memorable event. 

The Karate competition of the Pan American Games ended on Sunday with a glorious final day of action. The spectacular showcase of sporting spirit in Lima concluded with major upsets, outstanding victories and new heroes of the sport being crowned. Thomas Scott of the USA and Joaquin Gonzalez Lavin of Chile were among the stars of the closing day of the memorable event. 

Thomas Scott impressed with a sensational performance on the tatamis of Polideportivo Villa El Salvador sports hall in Lima. The current continental champion demonstrated impressive domination of the Male Kumite -75kg category as the captain of Team USA won back-to-back PKF and Pan American Games titles. The karateka from Texas who takes the 6th place in WKF World Ranking defeated Hernani Verissimo of Brazil by 2-1 in the final. Scott overcame one “Yuko” by 2017 continental champion Verissimo, and scored two “Yuko” to take the title. 

JOAQUIN GONZALEZ LAVIN PRODUCES MAJOR UPSET 

Chile’s Joaquin Gonzalez Lavin produced the biggest upset of the Karate competition at the Pan American Games after claiming the title in Male Kumite -60kg. The Chilean karateka who is placed 22nd in WKF World Ranking shocked big favourite and current title-holder Douglas Brose of Brazil in the final to become the new champion of the category. 

Karate Star Douglas Brose had arrived in Lima as the top front-runner of the category, defending champion and Pan American title-holder. The Brazilian two-time World champion produced an impressive performance to reach the final but Joaquin Gonzalez Lavin surprised the Brazilian fan favourite and won the final after scoring two “Yuko” (2-0). It is the first gold medal for the Chilean representative since his continental title in 2018. 

TWO GOLDS FOR DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The representatives of the Dominican Republic also finished the event on a high note as they claimed two gold medals in the last day of competition. Tanya Rodriguez surprised favourites and became the new Pan American Games champion after defeating Susana Li of Chile in the final by 4-1. 

Team-mate Pamela Rodriguez completed the golden day for the Dominican Republic since she took the crown in Female Kumite +68kg. It was also a major upset for favourites since Pamela Rodriguez currently takes the position 74 in WKF World Ranking and has never won a gold medal in major international events. Nonetheless, the Dominican karateka who has the bronze medal at the 2017 PKF Championships as her best result defeated Omaira Molina of Venezuela in a thrilling final 6-2 to claim the crown of the Pan American Games. 

The Karate competition at the Pan American Games finished with the final of Male Kumite -67kg. Andres Madera of Venezuela and Camilo Velozo of Chile engaged in a disputed title-deciding bout that went to Madera’s hands by “Hantei” or decision (0-0). 

The USA topped the final medal table of the Karate competition at the Pan American Games after claiming a tally of seven medals and four golds. The Dominican Republic with seven medals and three golds, and Venezuela with eight medals and two golds also completed successful performances in Lima.