Nicholas Paul of Trinidad and Tobago sealed the gold medal in the final of the men’s match sprint event, his second gold medal at the Pan American Track Cycling Championships in Santiago, Chile.

It also took the T&T tally to five medals so far, with Paul claiming two gold medals (keirin and match sprint), Teniel Campbell won gold in the women’s scratch, Akil Campbell a bronze in the men’s scratch, and the country’s sprint team a bronze medal in that event.

Paul was in threatening form in the final against Colombian Cristian Ortega Fontalvo. Nick Wammes took the bronze medal, and Njisane Phillip placed fourth.

The cyclist said he sacrificed his Christmas for his achievements.

“I didn’t have a long Christmas because I prepared from December into February because I know the Pan Am Championships were early this year, so throughout Christmas I trained. I would like to dedicate this victory to God because without him, this wouldn’t be possible. Secondly, my family and friends, and all the supporters in T&T and around the world,” Paul said.

Earlier, Paul resumed from the previous day’s impressive display in the 1/8 round, where he expelled Edgar Ismael Verdugo of Colombia to seal a place in the quarters. He later removed Colombian speedster Kevin Quintero for the right to be in the round of four, where Canadian Nick Wammes, the fourth-fastest rider, awaited him.

Paul’s magnificent sprinting potential ensured he left the 200-metre qualifiers as the fastest rider on the track that day, clocking 9.400. This he used to his advantage against the Canadian speedster, leaving him behind in the semifinal to earn a spot in the final.