Cuban-Born Chilean Decathlete Santiago Ford Wins Gold at Pan American GamesUS Athletes Also Earn Medals Despite Off-Season Challenges
Ford's emotional victory in front of 30,000 fans comes after a tough journey from Cuba to Chile, US athletes, including the 5,000-meter silver medalist and the decathlon bronze medalist, commend their experience despite the event taking place during the off-season.
- Chilean decathlete Santiago Ford, originally from Cuba, triumphed with a gold medal at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, an emotional victory after a difficult journey of over 6,000 kilometers from Cuba to Chile.
- After leaving Cuba, Ford struggled through harsh conditions, including experiencing starvation and thirst in the Atacama Desert, before eventually making Chile his home and gaining citizenship there last year.
- Ford's victory was heavily celebrated among the Chilean population, with approximately 30,000 spectators cheering him on as he completed his event at the Santiago National Stadium.
- Despite the Pan American Games taking place during the off-season, US athletes achieved notable success, such as Kasey Knevelbaard winning the silver medal in the 5,000-meter race, and Ryan Talbot earning the bronze in the decathlon.
- Although challenged by the event's timing, US athletes like Knevelbaard and Talbot praised the experience and the opportunity to compete on such a large stage; future training and events lie ahead for them, rather than a vacation break.
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