Brazil Leading the Way at Parapans

(ATR) Brazil, the United States, and Mexico are currently the top three performing countries at the Parapan American Games in Lima.

With 121 medals, including 41 gold, Brazil leads the medal table as of midday Tuesday.

Brazil’s Thiago Paulino won gold and broke his own world record in Para athletics’ shot put event, F57 category on Sunday.

The United States ranks second with 80 medals, including 31 gold.

On Monday night, Team USA added to its tally by taking home 14 medals (seven gold, six silver and one bronze) in Para athletics.

"It’s always an out-of-body experience for me [to be at a Games]. Just being on this stage and among these crowds, I’m still learning to take everything in, how to control the crowd and myself, and adapt to my environment. It always builds character and is a learning experience,"said Tobi Fawehinmi, the men’s long jump T47 gold medalist.

Mexico rounds out the top three with 72 medals, 27 of which are gold.

On Saturday, Mexico’s Jose de Jesus Castillo will go for his fourth consecutive gold medal in Para powerlifting. He wants to break his Parapan American record of 236kg.

"This is my first time in Lima and I'm eager to do everything right and expect to climb onto the top of the podium. Although my record is high, we will try to surpass it in Lima. We have just competed in the World Championship in Kazakhstan, and depending on how the competition goes, we will try to achieve it if needed," said Castillo.

Host country Peru currently ranks 13th with five medals, including three silver and two bronze.

Medals will be contested Tuesday in Para athletics, Para cycling track, Para swimming, Wheelchair Rugby, Para table tennis, and Shooting Para sport.

More than 1,800 athletes are competing in the 6th edition of the Games.

They come from 33 countries with events in 18 disciplines.

The games end Sept. 1 with Balich Worldwide Shows staging the Closing Ceremony.

Written by Greer Wilson.