In a historic moment for Chile, Francisca Crovetto clinched the nation’s inaugural gold medal at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games in the skeet shooting competition.
The shooter showcased her dominance by winning the shoot-off against Mexican competitor Gabriela Rodriguez. After a grueling 18-series competition in which both athletes tied at 50 points, Crovetto won by a single point to take home the desired Pan American gold.
The significance of this victory extends beyond the gold medal itself. It was also a qualification event for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. However, Chile’s shooter had already secured her place in the Paris Olympics through her performance at the ISSF 2023 World Championships. Consequently, the two Olympic quotas for Paris 2024 were awarded to Gabriela Rodriguez from Mexico, who secured the silver medal and Daniella Borda from Peru, who clinched the bronze.
Francisca Crovetto had previously won silver medals at the Pan American Games at Guadalajara 2011 and Lima 2019. Additionally, she secured a bronze medal at Toronto 2015 Pan American Games. This gold, earned on home soil, was the missing jewel in her career.
EXCEPTIONAL SUPPORT FOR CROVETTO
What makes this achievement even more special is the extraordinary support Crovetto received at the Lo Aguirre Shooting Range. Two of Chile’s Olympic medalists supported her: tennis player Fernando Gonzalez, who won gold, bronze and silver at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 and skeet shooter Alfonso de Iruarrizaga, who took home silver at Seoul 1988. Both played key roles in the ceremonial lighting of the Pan American Flame.
Additionally, Jaime Pizarro, President of Santiago 2023 and Minister of Sports, graced the event with his presence earlier in the day.
Source : Panam Sports
