Mariana Pajon secured her third gold medal at the Pan American Games.
Mariana Pajon clinched her third gold at the Pan American Games. The silver medal went to Canada’s athlete Molly Simpson, while the bronze was earned by Colombia’s rider Gabriela Bolle.
Colombia displayed its dominance in this competition. Mariana Pajon repeated her achievements from Guadalajara 2011 and Lima 2019, posting a time of 34.400 seconds. The BMX queen was the undisputed leader in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the subsequent final of the discipline.
“This is very important for me. It was a goal I wanted to achieve this year, and to come here and accomplish it is fantastic. It’s been a tough challenge, with highs and lows throughout the year, but I did it. The competition is extremely intense, particularly within Colombia’s team, and it’s a great feeling to have an athlete from Colombia like Gabi alongside us. I’ve raced many times here in Chile, and it has gone very well for me; there is a great energy. Every year it becomes more challenging. You can’t imagine the pain I’m experiencing, but I’m passionate about this, and that’s why we’re here,” added Pajon. Additionally, the six-time world champion dedicated her victory to her team, which believed in her despite undergoing two surgeries on her right elbow.
The silver medal went to 20-year-old Canada’s athlete Molly Simpson, who achieved a time of 36.00 seconds.
“These are my second Pan American Games; in Lima 2019, I couldn’t achieve the result I expected. We continue to earn points for Paris 2024. I am happy with the medal; it’s a beautiful accomplishment. Competing alongside Mariana (Pajon) is extraordinary,” said the bronze medalist, Gabriela Bolle, with a time of 36.500 seconds.
The points obtained in this discipline contribute to the overall BMX Racing world ranking.
The event was attended by David Lappartient, President of the International Cycling Union, who presented the medals. Jose Manuel Pelaez, President of the Pan American Cycling Confederation, was also in attendance.
Written by Diego Vazquez
