Everything started with a disappointing Friday at the Pan American Stadium, where Mexico was twice defeated by the Brazilians. First, Mexico’s men beach volleyball team was easily defeated by Brazil at the semifinals. Then, at the women final, it seemed for a moment that Mexico could beat the favorites and win the gold medal, but Brazil again, somehow managed to escape with the victory.
On Saturday, Mexico lost to Argentina the bronze medal match, and Brazil defeated Venezuela confirming that they are the best team in the continent by far.
Earlier on Saturday at the Maritime Terminal, the open water competition got a lot of drama when Richard Weinberger from Canada beat American Arthur Frayler by less than a second, after swimming 10km in the sea. The women competition was won by Argentinian Cecilia Biagioli, with more than 1 minute of advantage over second place Brazilian Poliana Okimoto.
Then on Sunday Puerto Vallarta felt the PanAm spirit literally running through its streets. The triathlon was a great experience for a city not accustomed to this kind of events. The roads around the Maritime Terminal were closed and it was the perfect excuse for Vallartenses to take the streets and enjoy a kind of recreational way, with no cars and plenty of bicycles, pets and families walking around and following the competitions.
The gold medals went to Sarah Haskins of the United States and Reinaldo Colucci of Brazil, in what was an entertaining and spectacular competition.
The last hope of gold for Mexico was in sailing, but once again Brazil was the main winner with five gold medals on Sunday. Here at least, Mexico could get a couple of silver medals and one bronze.
And that was it. Puerto Vallarta’s participation in the Pan American Games is over. It was an exciting week, at the end the people really got involved, and it was a great experience for the city.
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