As Peru celebrates its independence day, many families took the opportunity to attend a competition that they could only watch on television before: weightlifting. Among the audience were Venezuelan immigrates, who moved to Peru in the last few months.

The feeling of seeing their fellow Venezuelans compete and defend their flag was indescribable. There were lots of tears and happiness as they saw their athletes succeed. Everyone got excited when Génesis Rodríguez won the 55 kg competition, with a total of 212 kg in the snatch, and clean and jerk, and even more so when they heard, and sang, their national anthem.

Génesis cried with them because she was the first Venezuelan to win a gold medal at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games. Colombian Yenny Sinistierra also cried, but because she lost the competition. Many thought she was the favorite to win this competition, but the Venezuelan’s courage was stronger. Peruvian Shoely Mego had the fans support, but she did not make it to the podium, finishing in sixth place.

Julio Mayora gave Venezuelans another victory in the men’s 73 kg. He even broke the Pan American record with a total of 349 kg. He surpassed the last record of 347 kg set last June 27 in La Habana, Cuba, by Clarence Cummings of the United States. This marked another touching moment and was celebrated by all the Venezuelans in the coliseum. Mayora beat the junior world champion, Colombian Luis Mosquera, who had won the bronze medal at the Rio Olympic Games. Another touching moment was when they sang, for the second time, the Venezuelan anthem thanks to Lima 2019.

Two Peruvians, Oscar Terrones and Santiago Villegas, competed in this category. The Terrones family filled up a part of the stands and never stopped cheering for Óscar, who placed fifth with 304 kg. There are no complaints for the Peruvian representative who was close to third place. Villegas placed ninth with 282 kg.

The crowd experienced a weightlifting celebration and everyone was happy with the level of the athletes.

Photo gallery (click here)

Diego Elías had to wait for four years to take revenge. In 2015, Colombian athlete Miguel Rodríguez denied him the chance to pick up a gold medal at Toronto 2015. Now was the time for Elías to take revenge. 

In front of a crowd that filled the stadium with excitement, the Peruvian athlete won the third gold medal for Peru after defeating Colombian Miguel Rodríguez 3-1 in a highly-contested game, after 11-6, 7-11, 12-10 and 11-9 scores. 

Lima 2019 Ambassador and number 8 in the world ranking, Diego Elías has aroused public interest in a little-known sport in Peru, which has finally gained exposure thanks to the Pan American Games. 

Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center reopened its doors. This time it was rugby in both men's and women's events. There was a pleasant atmosphere at the venue. Early on, fans of various nationalities were present to encourage their respective countries. The fun was guaranteed with a face painting show for children and entertainment for adults.

And so it was. While 14 female players faced a tough match on the field, divided in two halves of seven minutes each, the atmosphere in the grandstands was that of a party.

The day opened with a lively match between Argentina and Colombia, with a 24-14 win for the Colombians. Then, the United States earned a comprehensive victory over Trinidad and Tobago by beating them 55-0. Both matches belong to Group A.

Peruvian Debut

With the song “Contigo Peru” as background, the Peruvian team took to the field to face a big rival, Brazil—reigning South American champions—in a match for group B. Under constant encouragement, the home team went ahead with a Michelle Flores try, but soon the action was leveled. The Peruvian hopes were short-lived as Brazil showed their supremacy, especially in the second half, eventually defeating the Peruvian team 33-5.

“It hurts me to lose, because it's our flag, it's our home, but this means that there are many things for us to improve,” said Michelle Flores, who highlighted the positive atmosphere experienced in Villa María del Triunfo. “What does it feel like to score? It's incredible, but we do this as a team,” she mentioned.

In the second match, Canada defeated Mexico 54-0 in a match for Group B.  

Also for Men's

But the games didn't finish there. After the women's matches, the male rugby players also jumped onto the field. For Group A, Brazil and Chile played an exciting match, whose final result showed how even it was: 14-14. Both teams left the field with well-deserved applause from the grandstands.

In other results, the United States beat Guyana 62-0, also in Group A, while in Group B, Canada beat Uruguay 31-0 and finally Argentina, the current South American champions, beat Jamaica 52-0.

The action continues tomorrow at Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center from 10:10 with the match between Colombia and Trinidad and Tobago for Group A. Peru will face off Canada at 11:00.

To be part of the Rubgy celebration, buy your tickets at lima2019.pe/tickets or at any authorized point of sale across the city.