Successful Day for Ecuadorian Athletes at the South American Games in Asuncion, Paraguay

On Thursday, October 13, 2022, it was a successful day for Ecuadorian athletes at the South American Games in Asuncion, Paraguay. Four women won gold medals in wrestling: Génesis Reascos, Luisa Valverde, Jacqueline Mollocana, and Lucía Yépez.

Mollocana was the first to win a medal, defeating Venezuelan Mariana Rojas 6-0 in the up to 50 kg category. The Ecuadorian athlete had previously faced the Venezuelan wrestler in the Bolivarian Games.

"Fighting against the same opponent for the second time is a bit complicated, but we were able to win. I dedicate this victory to my friend Leonela Ayoví, who couldn't compete due to an injury," said the athlete.

Hours later, Lucía Yépez defeated Peruvian Thalia Mallqui in 20 seconds in the up to 53-kilogram category. The Ecuadorian athlete dedicated her victory to the whole country.

Luisa Valverde was the third to win the gold medal in the up to 57 kg category, defeating Brazilian Giulia Oliveira 10-7.

"It was more difficult than expected, but thanks to God, we won the medal for the country, and that fills me with joy," said Valverde after the victory.

The last to win a gold medal was Génesis Reasco in the up to 76 kg freestyle category, defeating Colombian Tatiana Rentería 4-1. The Ecuadorian athlete had a rematch against her rival, whom she lost to in the Bolivarian Games.

"The final was not easy at all, but we won the medal, and I am very happy about that. Now, we have to prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics and the Pan American Games," mentioned Reasco.

With this, Ecuador is in sixth place in the medal table, with 20 gold medals, 12 silver medals, and 21 bronze medals. Both the Ministry of Sports and the Ecuadorian Olympic Committee congratulated the four athletes.