Argentina has dominated the canoe sprint programme at the first ever Junior Pan American Games, winning five gold medals in the Colombian city of Cali.
A total of 16 countries took part in the three-day competition, with 93 athletes competing. There were 59 men and 34 women.
Argentina’s Valentin Rossi picked up three gold medals, winning the men’s K1 1000, teaming up with Pedro Agustin Ratto to win the K2 1000, and then helping the Argentinian team to victory in the K4 500.
Fellow Argentinian Constance Gasparoni was the most successful of the women competitors, winning individual gold in the K1 200 and as a member of her country’s K4 500.
Argentina won eight medals altogether. Mexico won the most medals altogether with 12, including two gold.
ICF vice-president Cecilia Farias said canoe sprint had made a strong contribution to the inaugural Junior Pan American Games.
“We are very pleased as the International Canoe Federation and as the Pan American Canoe Federation with the participation of young people in this event,” Dr Farias said.
COPAC President Victor Ruiz said the junior Games were a great success.
“We are very happy that the Junior Pan American Games in Cali have started. The three days of games took place with a lot of competence and a spirit of victory,” he said.
