Puerto Rican athletics continues to be gold. the luquillense Jerome Vega conquered the top of the podium this afternoon with the gold medal in the hammer throw and with a national record, at the Jorge “El Mágico” González National Stadium of the XXIV Central American and Caribbean Games San Salvador 2023.
“Emotions are running high. It feels good to bring a medal for the second generation in a row. My first Central American Games, I am extremely proud. I was able to share this experience with my dad, who is my coach. I pray for Puerto Rico, for Luquillo and for my family,” said Vega, after embracing his father, Santos Vega, who won the silver medal in the 2002 San Salvador edition.
Vega’s mark was 74.83 meters, to improve the national mark of 73.98 of his authorship. The silver medal went to
“My dad won the silver medal 21 years ago (San Salvador 2002). Twenty-one years later we won the gold medal”, said the pitcher with great pride, who entered the competition focused.
The silver medal went to the Mexican Diego del Real (74.57 meters) and the bronze to the Cuban Miguel Zamora (72.63 meters).
An extremely proud and tearful father
From the stands there was a voice giving instructions and a paralyzed heart. He was Jerome’s father-trainer, Santos Vega. His body expression was one of pride, admiration and respect for his son every time he watched him receive congratulations from the public and him for being the proud parent.
“The emotion is so much. The work has been so hard. The passion… the tenacity… the sacrifice, above all, paid off. We got a prize for Puerto Rico,” Vega Sr. said.
The mark of 65.35 meters was that of Santos in 2002 to keep the silver medal. His son, 21 years later, was 74.83 meters and a national mark.
“In the last two years, he has broken the national record three times. We are ready to represent Puerto Rico to the world and Paris 2024”, commented the coach of the Central American champion.
Soon, the Puerto Rico Athletics Federation will be certifying whether Vega’s brand qualifies him for the World Championship to be held in Budapest from August 19 to 27, 2023.
Ryan Sánchez wins silver medal in the 800
Carolinian Ryan Sánchez won a silver medal in the 800 meter event. This, after a disqualification to the previous winner of the race, the Venezuelan José Maitia.
About 40 minutes later, the San Salvador 2023 Organizing Committee rectified the results, disqualifying Maitia. That is why the runner from San Vicent, Handal Roban, rises to the first position with a time of 1:45.93 and the Puerto Rican Sánchez with a time of 1:46.86.
The bronze medal was given to Dominican Ferdy Acramonte with a time of 1:47.46.
Men’s basketball wins bronze
The Puerto Rico National Basketball Team won a bronze medal by defeating the Nicaraguan team 79-59.
This is the fourth medal in the basketball disciplines. This joins the gold medal in the men’s 3×3, women’s 3×3 and the bronze medal in the women’s 5×5 collective.
