Ava Lee won an historic Pan American Games taekwondo silver medal for Haiti at Santiago 2023 ©Getty Images

Haitian Taekwondo Federation President Frenel Ostin has praised the country's achievements at the Pan American Games in Santiago where they won a pair of medals.

Ava Lee won silver in the women's under-67 kilograms division in Chile's capital, after defeat in the final to Mexico's 2022 world champion Leslie Soltero.

There was also a bronze for Aliyah Shipman in the women's over-67kg class.

Haiti has not won any other medals in any sport at the ongoing Games, and drew a blank completely at the last three editions.

Aliyah Shipman added a bronze to Haiti's tally at Santiago 2023 after the country had not won a Pan American Games medal since Rio 2007 ©Getty Images
Aliyah Shipman added a bronze to Haiti's tally at Santiago 2023 after the country had not won a Pan American Games medal since Rio 2007 ©Getty Images

The country's last medal was a bronze for judoka Joel Brutus in Rio de Janeiro in 2007.

"It's a memorable milestone and a valuable addition to our sporting heritage," said Ostin.  

The official added that he hoped the taekwondo results would provide a boost before next year's Olympic Games in Paris.

"I express gratitude to this team, the commitment of the athletes, their parents, and a special mention to the Haitian Olympic Committee for its invaluable support," he said.