TWO GREAT MOMENTS FROM ASU 2025 NOMINATED FOR THE “FAIR PLAY” AWARD AT THE 2025 PANAM SPORTS AWARDS

Share

It is always a special award, one that does not require medals or records, but one that reminds us how beautiful sport is and how important Olympic values are in every competition or Games. Two nominations for two moments that fill us with pride and that will surely remain forever in the memory of all who witnessed them.

The ASU 2025 Junior Pan American Games left us with unforgettable moments. The Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the competitions, the camaraderie in the Panam Sports Athlete Lounge, and many other instances that made us vibrate and get excited.

At the 2025 Panam Sports Junior Awards, one of the most valued awards by sports fans worldwide could not be missing: the Fair Play Award.

This award was created in 1987 by FIFA and since then has recognized athletes, coaches, referees, and teams who have demonstrated exemplary Fair Play and respect on and off the field, track, or sports venue.

There were many memorable moments at ASU 2025, but two stood out and were worthy of being nominated for this important distinction.

Here we tell you what those moments were, the athletes involved, and why they deserve to be nominated.

Double Gold and Record JP Stephanie Balduccini (Brazil) and Isabella Bedoya (Colombia)

The Olympic Aquatic Center pool witnessed an event never before seen at the Junior Pan American Games. In the women’s 50-meter freestyle final, Stephanie Balduccini of Brazil and Isabella Bedoya of Colombia both clocked in at 25.42 seconds. The two swimmers congratulated each other, hugged, and shared the gold medal for that event. It was a clear example of fair play by these two outstanding athletes who participated in the ASU2025 Games.

Gladymar Torres (Puerto Rico)

In the women’s 100-meter dash final at ASU2025, third place was only decided by a photo finish. Frances Colón of Puerto Rico and Serena Cole of Jamaica finished practically neck and neck. While waiting for the official results on the track, Gladymar Torres, also from Puerto Rico and who finished in 5th place, approached her teammate and, once the official result was published awarding the bronze medal to Frances Colón, hugged her as if it were her own victory. This was a clear example of fair play among teammates, celebrating an achievement that went viral and earned the admiration of everyone at the Junior Pan American Games.

If you haven’t already done so, click on the following LINK and vote for your favorite athletes in this poll, which ends on December 21. The winners will be announced on December 22.