Neven Ilic enjoys in Toronto as one of them

He is aware that it will be his last Pan American Games as President of the Coch, and he lives it that way. The national performance and the five golds achieved so far by Team Chile also keep him satisfied. His future after next year's Olympic Games in Rio also seems defined.

And the executive has been reflecting on it lately and seems determined to take the leap, running for president of the Odepa (Pan American Sports Organization). "There is a possibility. After the Games, if there is support, I have no problem. Odepa needs young people, with enthusiasm and different visions, and if I can do that job happily," he says.

However, he also clarifies that there is still no campaign organized. "Today we have an agreement among all members not to do anything because the Games are being held. If I don't feel I have support, I won't run. But sometimes that is seen in the ballot boxes; it happened in Chile's bid to host the 2019 Pan American Games," he says.

Ilic also took the time to praise the Chilean performance in Toronto, and he sees it as progress compared to the last Games. "We knew that the 43 medals were not our issue. Our position was to improve what we did in Guadalajara, and so far we are doing it. I aspire to improve in gold medals and in the ranking. So far, it is being fulfilled," he values.

Not yet wanting to think about balances, the president also feels that in Canada the result of good management has been seen. "I feel happy about what is happening, the athletes we have. Team Chile has worked. The team is united, they support each other. The good atmosphere in the Coch and its athletes is one of the biggest tasks we have developed."