Parapan American Champion and Crew USA Podium Sweep

YanXiao Gong, Malibu, California, native, earns the title of 2023 Parapan American Video games Champion in Combined P3 25m Sport Pistol SH1 in Santiago, Chile, Nov. 18.

Gong was joined on the rostrum by the remainder of the Crew USA Parapan Pistol athletes. Marco De La Rosa claimed silver and Mike Tagliapietra took bronze.

“I really feel content material and achieved,” mentioned Gong, 2023 Paralympic World Champion. “I’m particularly grateful that I’m encompass by the teammates I’ve. Nothing beats having the celebrities and stripes on all three flag poles.”

Gong, who made his Parapan American Video games debut in Santiago, earned his spot within the finals after ending first total within the qualification spherical the place he set a brand new Parapan American Video games qualification file. He spoke about his mindset earlier than going into the finals.

“Even when it is a considerably regional competitors, I positively felt the adrenaline and the thrill battling together with my teammates,” mentioned Gong, 2020 Paralympian.

All three athletes talked about that their Crew USA podium sweep at Parapans was an incredible expertise. Through the last, athletes had been knocked out one after the other based mostly on who held the bottom scores after elimination photographs. 

“As soon as I knew we bought first, second, and third, I wasn’t apprehensive anymore,” mentioned De La Rosa. “I simply smiled and thought ‘man that is superior.’ It was a superb time and enjoyable on the finish.” 

Gong is including Parapan American Champion to his lengthy listing of titles. He was most just lately topped 2023 World Taking pictures Para Sport (WSPS) Champion in P3. He earned a complete of three medals on the WSPS World Championship in Lima, Peru this previous September to incorporate a group bronze in P3. Gong earned the group bronze alongside De La Rosa, and Tagliapietra, and one other bronze in P1 Males’s 10 Air Pistol.

Gong additionally competed in P1 Males’s 10 Air Pistol on the 2023 Pan American Video games Nov.19. He received bronze within the occasion and Marco De La Rosa earned the championship title. Gong will compete in P4 Combined 50m Free Pistol SH1 Nov. 20.

For official outcomes and scores, go to: https://para.results-santiago2023.org/#/self-discipline/SHO/schedule/each day/2023-11-18

USA Taking pictures want to thank the NRA Basis, our platinum stage sponsor, for his or her assist to the group. Their contributions are serving to our athletes high the rostrum on the 2023 Parapan American Video games.