Shannon Nishi-Patton of Team USA and Honolulu won gold in karate at the Pan Am Games on Saturday. She beat Alicia Hernandez of Mexico 2-0 in the championship match of the 50 kg kumite division in Lima, Peru.
Nishi-Patton, 34, won all five of her matches and improved her chances of earning a spot in the Olympics next year in Tokyo, where karate will be an exhibition sport.
“This win is for Hawaii, which I take great honor in representing, and to my USA team,” said the Mid-Pacific graduate and former University of Hawaii basketball player, who also credited her “husband (former UH cornerback Kenny Patton), family, students, training partners and coach back at home.”
Christenson helps national team to win
The U.S. men’s national team, with two players from Hawaii in the starting lineup, moved closer to earning a berth in the 2020 Olympics with a sweep of Korea on Saturday in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The U.S. (2-0) defeated the Koreans (0-2), 25-20, 25-21, 25-16, setting up today’s showdown with the host country at the Tokyo Qualification Tournament.
Micah Christenson (Kamehameha) was the setter, finishing with three kills, two blocks and two aces. Erik Shoji (Punahou) was the libero.
On the roster but not playing were Kawika Shoji (‘Iolani) and Micah Ma’a (Punahou).
Also on Saturday, the Netherlands (2-0) swept Belgium (0-2) 25-22, 25-21, 25-20.
The U.S. and Netherlands meet today at 4 a.m. The winner earns the automatic berth into the Olympics. The match is live on OLYCH Spectrum 202 and replays on NBCSN Spectrum 210.
Baxter wins Pan American gold in SUP
Maui’s Connor Baxter won gold in standup paddleboard at the Pan American Games at the Punta Rocas Complex in Lima, Peru, the first time the sport was contested at the international event.
Baxter finished the course in 24 minutes, 18.7 seconds, easily outdistancing the finals field of 10, which included runner-up Vinnicius Martins of Brazil (25.51.3). Baxter took the lead for good on the final lap, catching small waves during the final turns and using a final sprint charge to the beach to finish first.
