Sunday, November 5th, 2023.- Felix Dolci, a 21-year-old Canadian, became the most successful gymnast at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games. Only Flavia Saraiva matched his number of podium appearances, but unlike the Brazilian, the native of Quebec reached the top.

A summary of his participation is impressive: gold medals in the all-around and floor exercises, a silver medal as part of the team, and bronze medals in rings and parallel bars.

His victory in the all-around competition was highly significant for his country, as Canada had not won that event since Wilhelm Weiler did so in Sao Paulo in 1963, a milestone of which Dolci was completely unaware until he achieved it.

"I had never heard of it, so I don't know when the last time was, but it feels great to be able to put Canada back on the map. That's the one and only reason I'm here."

Dolci gained more recognition in Canada during the second half of last year when he achieved second place as part of a team and on the floor exercises at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where he confirmed the expectations he had generated since the 2019 Junior World Championships in Györ, where he won the rings and finished second in the floor exercises.

In Santiago, the gymnast also established a strong bond with the audience and, before leaving the country, he had some words for the people who supported him.

"The people in the city are absolutely wonderful. I have been receiving a lot of love from many members of the audience, so it's really gratifying; it feels really good," he stated.

In Paris 2024, where he already has a secured spot, it will be his moment to make his debut on the world's biggest sporting stage and confirm the progress he has made so far, which has allowed him to become one of the great figures of Santiago 2023.

Written by Felipe Hurtado H.; translated by Andrés Castro / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Marcelo Hernández / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport