The sporting event hosted by Lima 2019 for more than two weeks still lingers in our memory and undoubtedly the ones that remember it more fondly are the athletes that qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after their victories at the Pan American Games.
They came from so far to represent her mother's country. Ana and Elisa López, who are from Spain, were asked to be part of the Peruvian water polo team and they accepted it.
“I’m proud of representing Peru. I don't live here, but it’s my mother’s country. She was so excited to know that we were coming to Peru,” said Elisa.
The tournament’s level is very high, and playing against the Canadian or Brazilian teams is an honor for them. “Competing against big teams help us improve as athletes,” said Ana. Both of them play in the 5ta División de Honor de Waterpolo.
Meanwhile, Elisa also mentioned that “ being part of the Pan American Games is important because they feature the best countries in the Americas, and I’d never participated in such a major tournament.”
Although they did not obtain a good result, Elisa had the opportunity to score one of the two goals against Canada. “We always try to score a goal. That’s an incentive for us, and we fight for it on the field.”
The average age of the Peruvian water polo team members is one of the lowest in the tournament. The girls’ age does not exceed 20 years old. “The difference on the field when compared to other teams is obvious, but I’m sure that with the proper support this group will grow a lot and will bring many victories,” said Ana.
The López sisters said goodbye with a sensation of happiness to see how Peruvian fans supported them at all times, even if the result was not good. Her family came from Trujillo and Puno to see them in action during the match. “We leave happy because of all the love and affection we received. Even though we were losing, Peruvians were always rooting for us, and that’s something we appreciate very much,” added Elisa.
On Tuesday, Peru will end its participation against Cuba at 09:30 in Group A. To cheer up on Peruvian team, buy your tickets at lima2019.pe/tickets and go to the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center.
The clamor of the fans had a main role in the debut of the Peruvian women's water polo team against Mexico, by the preliminary of group B in the Lima 2019 Pan American Games.
In this context, the grandstands of this venue at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center were pigmented by a characteristic red and white, which the fans carried to testify that the entire Peru was playing.
They gathered together to claim the performance of the seven athletes who represent Peru for the first time in this sport at the Pan American Games.
Despite the adverse outcome against the experienced Mexican team, they did not lose their bravery. The unconditional support of the Peruvian fans was essential to score a discount from the hand of the youngest player of the Peruvian squad, Nizerrat Gauthier.
“I was thrilled to see my cousins, aunts and grandmother motivating me from the grandstands to score a goal. The relatives of my teammates attended as well. And when you're in the water, the words of encouragement motivate you to keep going because you realize that you play the role of representing Peru,” stated the Peruvian by the end of the game.