Charles Philibert-Thiboutot earns Canada’s first track medal at Pan American Games

In a thrilling men’s 5,000m final at the 2023 Pan American Games, Charles Philibert-Thiboutot earned Team Canada’s first track and field medal, winning silver in 14:48.02.

The 5,000m final turned into a tactical race after a slow first three laps, which played into Philibert-Thiboutot’s strengths, given his middle-distance background. With one lap to go, all eight competitors remained in contention, and Philibert-Thiboutot positioned himself at the front for a podium finish.

Charles Philibert-Thiboutot strides to Silver in Santiago! 🇨🇦🥈@Chuck_PT finished 2nd in the 5000m final with a fantastic time of 14:48.02 to bring home the first medal for @TeamCanada in Athletics at the 2023 Santiago Pan Am Games!

📸 by Thomas Skrlj/COC#Santiago2023 pic.twitter.com/DZmkKQTwQB

— Athletics Canada (@AthleticsCanada) November 1, 2023

The race ended in a sprint, as Mexico’s Daniel Martinez edged out American Kasey Knevelbaard at the finish line for gold by one one-hundredth of a second, with Philibert-Thiboutot beating out Brazil’s Altobeli Da Silva for bronze.

Martinez began to celebrate his gold medal and went to take a photo with Knevelbaard and Philibert-Thiboutot. However, right after the photo was taken, he was notified by race officials that he was disqualified and would not receive the gold medal. According to officials, Martinez was disqualified for impeding Knevelbaard (blocking his passing attempt) in the final sprint to the finish. The movement hindered Knevelbaard’s progress, who was in second position. Officials saw the blockage as intentional and prevented Knevelbaard from winning gold.

WHAT A FINISH 🇨🇦

Charles Philibert-Thiboutot with a podium performance in the men's 5000m at #Santiago2023 @AthleticsCanada pic.twitter.com/7v021KBh0Q

— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) November 1, 2023

Comité Olímpico Mexicano (COM) protested the ruling, but Martinez’s disqualification stood. Brazil’s Da Silva was upgraded to the bronze medal position, while Philibert-Thiboutot moved up to silver and Knevelbaard to gold.

This marks the second Pan American Games medal of Philibert-Thiboutot’s career. The 32-year-old previously won bronze in the men’s 1,500m at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.

Jeux panaméricains 2023

Charles Philibert-Thiboutot

5000m ☑️ 🥈

➡️

1500m ce jeudi. pic.twitter.com/jFrmCOCNG3

— Felix A Lapointe (@CoachLapointe) November 1, 2023

“Today, the plan wasn’t to go out fast, but to be in the top three and fight for my position there,” said Philibert-Thiboutot to Athletics Canada about his silver medal. “On the last lap, I had to make sure I was in position to go for gold–which I think I did well.”

Philibert-Thiboutot will have the opportunity to add another medal to his collection as he is set to compete in the men’s 1,500m on Thursday.

You can view the upcoming schedule and full results from the 2023 Pan American Games here.