Thursday, November 2st.- The female's triathlon lived up to the expectations of thousands of fans who took to the streets of Viña del Mar to witness one of the most anticipated events at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.

The tourist city, located 130 kilometers from Santiago on the coast of the Valparaíso Region, was the chosen stage for Lizeth Rueda to secure Mexico's first gold medal in the Pan American triathlon.

Vittoria Lopes, the silver medalist at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games, confirmed her candidacy alongside Rueda in the 1,500 meters of swimming. However, the Brazilian began to lose significant seconds in the cycling segment and ultimately fell behind in the 10-kilometer run, where Rueda Santos battled neck and neck with Colombian María Carolina Velázquez and fellow Mexican Rosa María Tapia.

Rueda's performance was outstanding, impossible to challenge for her competitors, especially in the final five kilometers along San Martín Avenue and Perú Avenue. With massive support from the people of Viña del Mar lining the streets, the Guadalajara native secured her victory with a time of 1:57:07, followed by María Carolina Velázquez and Rosa María Tapia.

In the Chilean rankings, Dominga Jácome finished thirteenth, 3:27 behind the champion, while Catalina Salazar closed in twentieth place (+6:34).

Written by Nicolás Olea y Gonzalo Villegas; translated by Felipe Vergara | Photosport
Photo by Dedvi Missene / Santiago 2023 / Photosport