The Pan American Games left us a great lesson. There is no age limit nor specific reason to practice sports. Some may say their stories are entirely different, but they actually share the same passion: sport. 

While Claudia was claiming her seventh consecutive title in frontón, .Alexia had already started flutter kicking in the water. 

At age 51, Claudia Suárez won the gold in Peruvian frontón at the last Pan American Games and has never been defeated after claiming the national crown 20 years ago. 

Alexia Sotomayor also broke the mold. At just 13 years old, she became the youngest Peruvian athlete to participate in a Pan American Games and impressed the world by breaking her own records. She almost qualified for Tokyo 2020 in the 500 m freestyle final.  

Both met each other for the first time this weekend during the Festival “Learn Through Play”, which aimed to promote de Parapan American Games that will be held from August 23 to September 1.  

“I practiced swimming for many years, but when my shoulders started to broaden I didn’t like it that much, so I got into racket sports,” told us Claudia when asked if she had ever tried professional swimming? 

For Alexia, the Pan American Games experience was unforgettable and also a big step in her career that has just started. “We competed against Olympic medalists and world record holders. I had the chance of going up against them, and that motivates me. It felt so good. When you’re competing, you focus on yourself to try to improve and pursue your goals,” mentioned Alexia. 

Claudia’s First Steps 

Claudia gave her first steps in sports in squash.  “I started competing at the age of 15 in a squash South American championship held in Paraguay. When I was 13, I wasn't even thinking about competing; I didn’t even know what sport I wanted to play at all. When I see Alexia, I see a great role model for kids. My son is 15, and I’m dying to see what sport he’ll choose. It’s complicated because you can’t force kids. You have to let them be themselves and choose what sport they like the most. They must decide on their own. I also had to make that decision at some point,” indicated the Pan American medalist.   

So after hearing all her experience, we asked Claudia to give Alexia a piece of advice. “You must be very disciplined and train hard to be an elite athlete. I used to go to parties too, but there must be some limits. I didn’t understand it at her age either, but my parents helped me out.” 

Currently, Claudia works a Peruvian frontón teacher. “I’ve been teaching kids for 17 years now because I want to promote sports practice. That’s why it’s so important to raise awareness. The sports career is incredible, and it gives you many satisfactions,” added the Pan American medalist with her usual serenity. 

Then, we asked Alexia: “What kind of teacher do you think Claudia is?” I think she helps everyone who wants to improve. She’s not a serious teacher, but she does like discipline,” said the young athlete.   

Claudia immediately added: “I’m very motherly with children. Everyone sees me as their mom, and that helps me teach them better.” 

Life at 13 

Alexia is still on vacations and is about to start her first high-school year. She was six months old when she first touched the water. Her mother, who also practiced swimming, took a course for mothers and babies. At age 5, she started swimming in a sports club. 

Being an elite athlete takes a lot of effort, and Alexia had to wait until the end to confirm her participation in Lima 2019.  “First, they had to validate my mark because of my age, but at the end they let me participate, and I was proud to represent Peru.” 

“I get a lot of support from my school. They help me catch up and make up my exams. Sport changes your lifestyle; for example, my friends go to parties, but I have to give up some of those activities due to my training. If I want to be the best, I have to train every day,” mentioned Alexia sure of herself. 

Her priorities are straight: “Going to the Pan American Games in Chile and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. I see myself on the podium,” concluded Alexia.   

Claudia listens closely and tells her that “the feeling of winning a medal is incredible. It makes all the effort worth it.” 

The Most Expected Event: Lima 2019  

“Lima 2019 was a memorable event, and I hope all my students get to compete in a large tournament like this one,” said Claudia in regard to her future students. 

“Representing my country made me proud. It was amazing to see all the stands packed and receiving the support of all Peruvians,” added Alexia when remembering her participation in Lima 2019 last August 8.   

Social Media 

“My followers increased after the Games. Before the event, I had 1700, but now there are almost 8000,” she said. 

“I’ve created my accounts, but someone else manages them for me. It’s taken me a while to get used to these technologies. 

Her Sport 

“This sport is my life. It’s our flagship sport, and it has achieved a milestone I thought we'd never reach thanks to the internationalization. It’s cost us a great deal, and now we have to work hard so that frontón can keep growing,” stressed Claudia when asked about her sport and how it was included as a Basque pelota discipline at Lima 2019. 

“It’s my passion, and it’s always been a part of my life,” said Alexia. 

After their meeting, they took some time to practice and promote Para sports and to show the passion that runs through their veins. They’re an example for all generations in our country. 

Without a doubt, the constant feature and trademark of the Pan American Games, which come to an end tonight, has been the unconditional support of Peruvian fans and the fans from different countries of the Americas. Their support has been recognized by outstanding athletes of the continental competition.

Kevin Martínez, gold medalist in Peruvian Fronton singles, highlighted the fact that this discipline of Basque pelota made its debut in the Pan American Games and said he was “very happy” to be the ambassador of this 100% Peruvian sport.    

“It’s an honor to represent this Peruvian sport that we’re slowly sharing with the world and to give Peru its tenth gold medal (of the Games),” he said.

Later, he welcomed the presence of the president of Peru, Martín Vizcarra, at the medal ceremony of his competition and revealed that the president is a former fronton player: “we’ve agreed to play a match to pick up fronton again.”

SUPPORT ON ALL COURTS

Karatekas John Trebejo, Carlos Lam and Oliver del Castillo reiterated how much it meant to them to win the gold medal in men’s team kata surrounded by the universal support of the public.

“This can unite us in order to move forward. Sports are a great tool for change. We’re happy and enjoying this celebration. We’ve been working for a long time. Carlos, Oliver and I are such good friends; I knew we could achieve something historic,” confessed John.

Likewise, Tamil Martino, silver medalist in stand up paddle surfing, said that he had never felt so much support and affection from fans in a competition before.

“That was crucial to us doing well as a team. We, as well as the Peruvian surfing community, are proud that we have been included in such an important championship like the Olympic-level Pan American Games. This is the first time that surf is part of a competition of this level and we were able to prove to Peru that Peruvian surf is a first-rate sport,” he said.

INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT

Brazilian Rafaella Silva, world, Olympic and Pan American champion in judo, was pleased to represent her country at Lima 2019 and with how this continental event will contribute to her preparation for the world championship.

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!

The most important multi-sports event in the Americas is currently in the final stretch, and Peru is looking to remain among the top countries with the most medals. For this reason, the bronze collected by the female duo, consisting of Nathaly Paredes and Mía Rodríguez, after a tight match against Argentina is a noteworthy achievement.

The Peruvians, who have had a remarkable performance during the tournament, went out to the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center field of play determined to defeat their opponents Lucila Busson and Irina Podversich.

Thus, they won the first set with a wide margin of difference, due to imperfections in the game of their opponents. In the second set, the visiting team tried to match the score but they could not make it because the Peruvian team ended the game with a 2-0 victory in women’s doubles.

It is worth mentioning that, starting at 14:00, the Peruvian basque pelota team will try to increase the number of medals in this discipline. Therefore, they will face the Argentinian team once again in women's doubles fronton rubber ball.

Photo: Depor

She has been the star of paleta fronton, a sport called Peruvian fronton at the Pan American Games, for 20 years now. For Claudia Suárez, winning the gold at the Pan American Games is a pending achievement.

She has earned comprehensive victories in her first three matches. She defeated Cuban Wendy Durán (15-6 and 15-10), Argentinian Melina Span (15-9 and 15-8) and finally Bolivian Diana Rangel (15-9 and 15-6).

“The best thing that’s ever happened to Peruvian fronton is to feature at the Pan American Games. I’m so proud of seeing other countries come to Peru and play our sport. But the medal will remain here at home,” says Claudia, showing the same calm and relaxed demeanor she displays when beating her rivals.

She has won 20 domestic tournaments consecutively, which was not part of her original plans. “First I wanted to win 5, then 10, then 15 and I didn’t want to retire. I never thought I'd make it to 20 and I still don’t want to retire. But I don’t know how long I’ll be able to play, so I’ll do it for as long as my body can stand it,” stresses the Peruvian champion.

Claudia dedicated last Sunday’s victory to her son Matías, who turned 15. “He’s the most sacrificed one because we hardly see each other, but he always comes to cheer on me. He also plays fronton and squash. If he chooses to play any sport professionally, I’ll be so happy.”

She will continue playing the qualification round tomorrow, Wednesday 7, this time facing off Chilean Rosario Valderrama. The match will take place at noon at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center.

The match lasted only 14 minutes, but it was enough to receive the warming support of the Peruvian fans at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center.  

This was the experience of Kevin Martínez, Peruvian champion on Paleta fronton for the last seven years, consecutively. “I have no words, it’s awesome. I’ve never played with so many people in my favor, I have played matches with lots of attendance, but almost 90% of it was against me and now I’m living a dream,” he stated. 

Today, he is one of the favorites to win a gold medal and he is already on his way. On his debut, on Sunday, he had already received the support of the fans and today, he beat Mexican Isaac Pérez in the Peruvian fronton competition. “It was an honor that Isaac decided to play our sport (Peruvian fronton), because he is one of the best exponents of Basque pelota and, for that reason, I appreciate he decided to experience it,” stated the national champion. 

“We've been dreaming for so many years that people know this is a Peruvian sport and they will now know we get the best results. They will want to play it, this sport will expand and that’s what we want, we want that everyone knows it,” added Kevin Martinez.   

Kevin still has two matches to play in the qualifying stage that will allow him to win the gold medal. Tomorrow, he will play against Salvador Espinoza from United States and on August 7, against Guillermo Osorio from Argentina, both matches start at noon at the Villa El Salvador Sports Center. 

“The level is very even, that’s why I know I must play five finals to get to the podium. I have to win and mark the difference,” stated Kevin, who also mentioned that these triumphs are dedicated to Peru.