The Dream of an Athlete

The dream of an athlete to win a gold medal is what a footballer considers winning a title. In some events of the Olympic cycle, it may be comparable to an international trophy, but in the Olympics, it is comparable to a World Championship. Athletes prepare all year to achieve the trophy, to step onto the podium, and sing the national anthem.

The Pan American Games

The Pan American Games are the second most important event of the Olympic cycle. They provide the perfect stage for athletes who want to be protagonists, who want to shine, and who of course, dream of winning a gold medal. Although in some cases they have to settle for silver or bronze, there are always opportunities to step onto the podium.

The Importance of the Pan American Games

Many athletes place their biggest bet on this competition because they are aware that obtaining a spot or a medal in the Olympics is almost impossible. The Olympics are a major league where the chances of being on the podium become minimal. The Pan American Games offer athletes a clear opportunity to win a medal.

Toronto 2015

Another important aspect of this sporting event, especially the one in Toronto 2015 –which will start on July 10– is that 12 disciplines will grant Olympic spots: gold medalists in handball, diving, synchronized swimming, kayak canoeing, equestrian, field hockey, water polo, pentathlon, table tennis, shooting, triathlon, and sailing.

Additionally, ten modalities will grant valid points to competitors to improve their personal ranking in order to advance to the Olympics (Rio de Janeiro 2016): athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, weightlifting, wrestling, swimming, taekwondo, tennis, and archery.

Economic and Political Aspects

The organization of the Pan American Games also leaves a great legacy for the host country in terms of infrastructure, state investment, city rearrangements, income, and tourism, everything that revolves around this great sporting event.

This tournament becomes the most important sporting event for athletes within the Olympic cycle, those who prepare for the Olympics, those who seek to be protagonists and win medals, and undoubtedly, for the sports legacy of the host country.