As a prelude to the Lima 2019 Pan American Games closing ceremony, Peru will experience an unforgettable multi-sport day, seeking to climb in the medal table and claiming a place as a country developing its sport, to end its remarkable participation in these Games.   

In this context, spectators at the Villa El Salvador Sports Center will witness the fierce fight for the gold of the Peruvian karate delegation versus the best teams of the Americas, starting at 09:00. 

In Athletics, the Peruvian team will also be determined to win gold in the women’s and men’s 50 km race walk competition, which will take place in Miraflores starting at 07:00. 

On the other hand, gold, silver and bronze medals will be defined in the women’s volleyball competition, with intense matches between  Brazil, Dominican Republic, Argentina and Colombia. The matches will start at 09:00 at the Callao Sports Center. 

Likewise, the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center will be the stage of various competitions that will test the accuracy and effectiveness of the most outstanding archers of the Americas, starting at 09:00. 

On the other hand, from 11:40 am at Costa Verde, cyclists from various delegations will compete against in a dazzling acrobatics event for the gold medal in BMX freestyle.  

Starting at 11:00 am, at the VIDENA Sport Center 1, the judo preliminary round and final will be held with different events and the participation of Peruvian representatives.  

Finally, golf champions will be defined in the individual and mixed categories at the Lima Golf Club.  

As soon as Yuta Galarreta beat the Brazilian Rafael Macedo in the tatami, he started to cry out of emotion. He clenched his fists as a sign of triumph and then he came down fast to his coach to give him an endless hug. Galarreta dedicated his bronze medal in the 90 kg category to every Peruvian who shouted his victory. He even hugged a fan in the grandstands who gave him a plush toy for his perseverance in judo. 

His parents, cousins and friends also were in the grandstands and clapped until their hands were red. The boy who grew up in Japan was able to enjoy the taste of victory at the VIDENA Sport Center 1. The decision to come to train in Lima since the beginning of the year identified him even more with Peru and, therefore, he had so much emotion contained. 

“When I won the combat, I didn’t think of anything. I felt so happy that I just started to cry, and then I came down to celebrate with my coach Franco (Loza). He was very important because when we lost the semifinal, he encouraged me to go for the bronze medal. He trusts me, that’s why I thanked him so much. I thank Peru for their support,” he said. 

After the silver medal obtained by Alonso Wong in the 73kg category, judo is one of the disciplines that has given Peru the most medals. Winning 37 medals should not only remain in the history of Peruvian sport; it should be the beginning of something even greater. 

With tears in her eyes, after a rewarding outcome for her unrelenting effort, karateka Alexandra Grande made it to the top of the podium after winning the gold medal in karate – kumite. As a result, Peru achieved a new historic record of 11 gold medals. 

The Lima 2019 Ambassador had to push herself to the limit to win the championship in the -61 kg category and clinch her second Pan American gold, after her victory at Toronto 2015. This made her the second Peruvian woman to win two gold medals at the Pan American Games, after Natalia Cuglievan. 

In an emotional afternoon at the Villa El Salvador Sports Center, the Peruvian fans became Ale’s best ally, as their cheering shook the grandstands. The Lima 2019 Ambassador finally got her revenge against Venezuelan Claudymar Garcés, who was the only opponent that had defeated her in the first round of competition. 

Alexandra Grande burst into tears when she found out she had defeated the Venezuelan athlete with a 6-1 final score. She kneeled and thanked the spectators and her sensei, Roberto Reyna. The Peruvian sportswoman’s excitement was at its top when she hugged her parents, who were her first role models in martial arts. 

With this victory, the Lima 2019 Ambassador obtained the 11th gold medal for Peru, a record number that beats all Peruvian participations in this type of events. This is an unforgettable memory of Lima 2019, where hard work paid off for Peruvian athletes like Alexandra Grande, who has always strived to be the best. 

Mexico’s finest. Before talking to the media, and with the gold medal hanging in her neck, the two-times Pan American individual cycling champion (Guadalajara 2011 and Lima 2019), Cuban Arlenis Sierra broke the protocols and run to the security fence to celebrate with the crowd, hugging and taking pictures with Peruvian fans that came early in the morning to the finish line area to support the athletes. 

“Everything in Lima 2019 is amazing: the support and kindness of the people, the excellent organization of the Organizing Committee showed in the care and security they took for athletes, at the Pan American Village and competition venues, always aware of what we needed. I think that shows a high commitment to sport,”   she said. 

Today, everything was a success: the people's attendance since 08:00 at the Costa Verde, from Magadalena to Chorrillos, to support athletes; the security provided by the National Police of Peru (PNP) along the competition course and the support of Lima 2019 volunteers, that helped by providing information about spectators’ areas. 

Only two days ago, a small rockfall affected the individual road cycling course. However, this incident did not trouble the competition as the Organizing Committee activated its emergency protocols so everything could continue as planned.     

The women’s individual race started with a pack that took the lead of the competition. Peruvian representatives, Cynthia Davila and Luddy Fernandez were into this pack, but as competitors completed laps, Chile, Canada, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago took the lead. Although this group lead most of the race, at the final stage when legs start to feel the pain of pedaling after 80 km, the Cuban Arlenis Sierra, 2018 Pan American champion and Guadalajara 2011 gold medal, proved why she is the best. 

The 33 competitors rode five laps to complete the 80 km of the competition, which starting and finish lines were located the Sucre exit, located near the Virgen del Inmaculado Corazon at the last block of Avenida Brasil. 

After two hours and nineteen minutes, the first one to cross the finish line was the Cuban athlete, followed by the cyclist from Trinidad and Tobago, Teniel Campbell, and the bronze medal was won by the Mexican Lizbeth Salazar Vasquez. 

Five years ago, he thought about quitting athletics. The lack of support after an injury that left him out of the track for nearly two years, made him think about other priorities. However, his wife’s support (who is also an athlete) made him persevere. And this afternoon, at the podium of the 3000 meters steeplechase, with a crowd giving him a standing ovation at the athletics stadium, he felt that all was worth it. 

Brazilian Altobeli Santos won the gold, but Bazán managed to pass the last three obstacles and put pressure on the Colombian Carlos Sanmartín, who took the silver, and defeated the American Keter Benard for the bronze. This victory will be with him for many years. 

“During the seven and a half laps, I was thinking how the end was going to be like. We were six in the last 300 meters, but I was mentally prepared to endure the first laps and burn all at the right time. The feeling of winning a medal in my country is amazing. I don’t know if this will happen ever again, running in these great conditions, and that's why I enjoyed it so much,” said Bazán.  

At the age of 31, Bazán has achieved an unprecedented medal in track and field athletics in Peru. This victory adds up to the marathon gold medals of Gladys Tejeda and Christian Pacheco, as well as the silver medal won by of Kimberly Cardoza in race walk, one day before the end of the Lima 2019 Games. His story of personal overcoming should be highlighted. 

"I thought of all the sacrifice I had to make since October last year, away from home, training and competing alone in Europe. Without a doubt, the work of 15 years has paid off, to live this unique moment, with my people supporting me from the stands. When I was starting in this sport, nobody supported me, but sport gives us these satisfactions,” he concluded. 

The Pan American Games have given us a new epic episode for Peruvian sport, as the many others forged in determination and dedication. Now, the 35th medal of the Pan American Games for Peru is a reality.

Race Walking  

For the first time in the Pan American Games, women will participate in the 50 km race walking event on Sunday, August 11, starting at 07:00 in Miraflores district. The competition will be mixed, as women and men will participate at the same time. 

This was stressed by the Lima 2019 Pan American Games Organizing Committee, who explained that race walking is a progression of steps, so that the walker is always making contact with the ground. The advancing leg must be straightened (i.e. not bent at the knee) from the moment of first contact with the ground until the vertical upright position. 

The Peruvian women’s team features Evelyn Inga Huaynalaya, who won gold in the Pan American Walk Racing Cup (50 km event) held in Michoacán, Mexico, in April this year; and Yoci Caballero Huamán, who also had an outstanding performance in the competition, won by the Peruvian women's team. In the men’s event, Luis Henry Campos Cruz will represent Peru. 

The Peruvian team is confident about reaching the podium at Lima 2019. For this reason, they have intensified their training to be in optimal condition for the competition. They will play against 21 athletes from different countries. 10 women and 14 men will participate in this competition.     

Race walking is a road competition free of charges for all spectators, so around five thousand people are expected to attend the event and root for their favorite athletes along the route. 

The route to be followed by the athletes for the 50 km event goes from Av. José Larco, close to the Municipality of Miraflores, up to the intersection with Calle Tarata. Then, the return will be along the same streets up to Óvalo de Miraflores. 

Learn about the detour plan  

To ensure the optimal development of the competition, the Lima 2019 Pan American Games Organizing Committee, the Municipality of Miraflores and the Peruvian National Police (PNP) inform about the street closure plan which will be carried out on August 11, from 00:00 to 15:00. 

Closed streets: 

• Av. José Larco, from Óvalo de Miraflores to Calle Tarata 

• Av. Diagonal, from Óvalo de Miraflores to Calle Schell 

• Calle Bellavista, from Calle Berlín to Av. José Pardo 

• Calle Mártir José Olaya, from Av. Diagonal to Av. José Pardo 

• Calle Schell, from Av. José Larco to Av. Diagonal 

• Av. José Pardo (eastbound), from Calle Bellavista to Óvalo de Miraflores 

Alternative routes: 

• Westbound: Av. José Pardo – Av. Jorge Chávez – Calle José Gálvez – Av. Diagonal – Av. Benavides – Av. La Paz – Av. Ricardo Palma. 

• Eastbound: Av. Ricardo Palma – Av. Petit Thouars – Jr. Gonzales Prada – Calle Enrique Palacios – Av. Comandante Espinar – Av. José Pardo. 

• Northbound: Av. José Pardo – Av. Benavides – Av. La Paz – Av. Ricardo Palma – Av. Petit Thouars – Jr. Gonzales Prada – Calle Enrique Palacios – Av. Comandante Espinar – Av. José Pardo. 

• Southbound: Av. Arequipa – Calle Enrique Palacios – Calle Elías Aguirre – Av. Grau – Calle José Gonzales – Av. Diagonal. 

Recommendations 

The Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games Organizing Committee has some recommendations for the spectators who will be supporting the athletes during this competition: 

• Do not throw objects to the competition track. 

• Do not throw water at the athletes. 

• Do not interfere with the marathon circuit. 

• Do not bring pets because they could run away and interrupt the competition. 

• Respect the road closure which will be in force during the competition. 

Guillermo Garay is 22 years old and studies Sport Journalism. For him, being part of the Games is a unique experience. Watching the Games was not enough for him; he wanted to be part of Lima 2019.  

“When they called me, I was really happy. My family has always supported me, but I thought they wouldn’t choose me because of my visual impairment. But the Games are inclusive and they consider all applicants. That’s very important. Lima 2019 has set a national landmark in terms of inclusion,” said Guillermo. 

He is determined to motivate all Lima 2019 volunteers at the Callao Regional Sports Village. He also takes care of the dinning room, maintaining the order and cleaning.  

“We’re always motivated. All of us are here to contribute to the organization of this event because it’s important for Peru.”  

Being part of the largest group of volunteers has helped him interact more with people. He’s responsible for the check-in, so he talks to everyone at the entrance.  

“Meeting different people from different areas was the most amazing thing in my time as a volunteer. Sometimes, we chat a little bit and make jokes. I’ve worked with Colombian, Argentinian and Brazilian volunteers, and I’ve even exchanged pins with some athletes. It’s gratifying to be here because we know we’re helping to make this event possible in our country.” 

Since the start of the Pan American Games, the Peruvian frontón players have always had their minds set on the goal medal and they got it. Claudia Suárez and Kevin Martínez claimed the gold medal in frontón, a discipline that was born in Peru.  

The outstanding Peruvian athlete Claudia Suárez beat 2-0her Cuban opponent Wendy Durán in the women’s individual final, held at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center. It is the first gold medal in this discipline in the history of the Pan American Games. 

Claudia Suárez, with a 20-year career as the best paleta frontón player, reached the final undefeated with four victories in the qualification stage. She had already beaten Wendy Durán in their debut match, as well as Melina Spahn from Argentina, Diana Rangel from Venezuela, and Rosario Valderrama from Chile.  

PERUVIAN PRIDE 

Then, it was the turn of Kevin Martínez, who had all the support from the people in the stands. Martínez dismissed 2-0 his Argentinian opponent Guillermo Osorio, winning Peru’s 10th gold medal.  

Martínez, seven-time Peruvian champion and two-time South American champion, had already beat Osorio in the qualification stage. 

Kevin started taking advantage during the first eight minutes. After achieving the final point, the young but expert athlete raised his arms and all the people from the stands started to yell: Peru, Peru!

How you look is very important for our athletes. For this reason, we included a beauty center at the Pan American Village.  

In this place, athletes can get haircuts, brushing, ironing, makeup, hairstyle, hair treatment, manicure and pedicure services with the slogan “Let’s All Relax”.  

“Athletes usually bring a referential photo and, since our stylists are experts, they leave the center satisfied with their new haircut,” said Arlesvi Romero, manager of the Village Beauty Center. 

She also revealed that haircuts for men are the most requested service; however, girls always ask for hydrating treatments because their hair is exposed to climate change. As for nail and manicure treatment, it is requested by both men and women.  

The center usually provides around 35 services a day, and all delegations have visited it, such as the Uruguayan football team that had a special haircut design request. 

“It’s a great experience because it’s also a cultural exchange. I get excited when my compatriots come to the center because they feel at home,” added Arlesvi when asked about the Venezuelan athletes.  

Cuban wrestler Mijaín López, a living and reigning glory of his country, made history at Lima 2019 by winning his fifth consecutive Pan American Games gold medal after his victories in Santo Domingo 2003, Rio 2007, Guadalajara 2011 and Toronto 2015.

López, who is the flag bearer of the Cuban delegation and the most awarded athlete in his country, arrived in Peru with three Olympic and five world titles in the Greco-Roman wrestling, in which he became a legend. His participation in Lima 2019 closed his brilliant career in the Pan American Games, where he won everything. The Cuban athlete won the 130 kg competition at Lima 2019. The heaviest weight class in this discipline.

“I will remember this last Pan American medal as a very nice and easy feat, because I had never been in Peru before and I feel very happy to hear and learn about its rich culture. I will remember it forever. Now I will be aiming for a fourth title in the Olympic Games to finish my career,” pointed out the Cuban athlete.

Mijaín Lopez stated that his stay in Lima gave him the possibility of sharing with Peruvians, and take to his country the gold medal obtained in the competition, held at the Miguel Grau Coliseum, and the sculpture of Cuchimilco, which represents the Chancay culture.

“I will remember this Peruvian sculpture every day, because I have felt well taken care of by Peru and very happy as well. “I am taking home a piece of the Peruvian culture and I will remember it forever,” said the Cuban wrestler after mentioning that he has many memories of the country that organized the Lima 2019 Pan American Games.

He stated that he was impressed by the Peruvian culture during his participation at Lima 2019. He also highlighted as achievements of the Organizing Committee the discipline and security during the Pan American Games. "They have made a proper organization and that is noteworthy. In addition, Peruvians are going to have top-level venues to encourage the practice of sports,” said the Cuban, one of the main stars who arrived to compete in Lima 2019.

A GREAT MEMORY

Mijaín López said that this medal represents something huge for him, because it is his fifth Pan American medal, which represents the efforts that he has made throughout these years to achieve this goal.

The Cuban athlete recommended young Peruvians to continue fighting and doing things well. Therefore, he gave as an example the bronze medal in women's wrestling obtained by Thalía Mallqui.

“I congratulate a great Peruvian athlete (referring to Thalía Mallqui) because she managed to make her way by winning a bronze medal where there is a high level in wrestling with countries such as Cuba, United States and Canada. I can only encourage her to share that confidence with the next girls' generation. I hope that she maintains that energy and desire so that athletes can continue to get good results and bring joy to all Peruvians," he added.