Alejandra Valencia won her third Pan Am Games title in the recurve women’s event to become the first archer to do so.
Valencia surpassed archers Darrell Pace, Denise Parker and Jennifer Nichols all from the United States, who had won two titles.
“I didn’t know it was something historic,” commented Valencia. “Coming out of the match my coach said to me, do you have any idea what you just did? I actually feel very happy because I stayed focused doing my job.”
Valencia faced Ana Machado of Brazil, who defeated the second highest qualifier, Casey Kaufhold of the United States in the semifinals.
The Mexican started with the advantage and accumulated 4 points by the end of the second set – she won the first two sets with 29 points.
Machado and Valencia split set points in the third set. This was the only point the Brazilian took from Valencia.
The match ended 7-1 in favor of the Mexican who closed with a perfect score.
Casey Kaufhold won the bronze medal against Ana Maria Rendon of Colombia 6-0.
Both Machado and Rendon earned Olympic slots for their countries for the next Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Recurve women’s podium
- Alejandra Valencia – Mexico
- Ana Machado – Brazil
- Casey Kaufhold – United States