Pan Am Games: Bronze in discus for Jamaica’s Hall

Samantha Hall has kick-started Jamaica’s medal tally in track and field at the 19th Pan-American Games in Santiago, Chile, with a third-place finish in the women’s discus final yesterday. Fighting technical issues in the final, Hall fouled her first attempt but hit a distance of 59.14 metres in the second round, and that ended up as the bronze medal throw.

The St Jago High and University of Texas El Paso graduate is the first Jamaican woman to win a medal in the discus at the Games.

In fact, the 30-year-old Jamaican was in second place until round four when Brazilian Andressa Oliveira eased past with an effort taped at 59.29m.

Oliveira’s teammate, Izabela Rodrigues, started fast with an opening throw of 59.63 metres, and the 2014 World Under-20 champion added two other marks better than those by the silver and bronze medal winners, 59.36m in round four and 59.46m in round five.

Hall tried to steady herself for the final throw but only managed 56.47m. Nevertheless, the 2023 Jamaican champion bounced out of the circle joyfully.

Her teammate, Adrienne Adams, placed eighth.