(ATR) On a day with perfect conditions, women’s triathlon launched competition for the first individual medals of the Pan American Games in Toronto.
Flora Duffy of Bermuda got off to an early lead, pushing the pace during the swim and bike races. However, it was Barbara Riveros of Chile who made a strong surge during the final run to bring home the first individual gold medal of the Games. Paola Diaz of Mexico took silver and Duffy was able to hold on for the bronze.
Volunteers brought out the easily transportable podium that holds the slogan of the games "United We Play". The podium was assembled right in front of the packed grandstands.
The spectators stayed throughout the two and a half hour competition. The stands remained full during the medals ceremony.
The parents of bronze medalist Flora Duffy stood out in the crowd wavingtheir Bermudan flags. They told Around the Rings they were very proud of their daughter winning her first Pan Am medal.
Governor General of Canada David Johnston, who declared the games open during the Opening Ceremony, awarded the medals, followed by International Triathlon Union President and IOC member Marisol Casado who presented each with the mascot Pachi.
They all laughed as they took a bite of their medals in unison, as is often the custom on the podium.
In a post event press conference,Riveros told ATRearning the first individual medal of the games was "very special".
"I am proud to have represented Chile well and bring home this gold medal," Riveros said.
With the win, Riveros seals her country a spot at Rio 2016.
Canada Takes First Team Gold
The women's K-4 canoe race Saturday morning produced the first gold for host nation Canada at the Pan Ams.
The event started 30 minutes later than the triathlon, yet the distance of the canoe sprint is only 500 meters compared to the 51.5 kilometers on bike, foot and swim the triathletes must cover.
Canada won a second gold Saturday in synchronized swimming duets.
Seven countries have now earned medals in the first day of action following the opening ceremony Friday night. Athletes in weightlifting, women's open water, men's diving, BMX and artistic gymnastics compete in other Saturday events.
Medalists from the day's events are invited to Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto for a victory ceremony. The celebration is expected to draw thousands to the park next to city hall each night of the Pan Ams
IOC President Thomas Bach will likely attend diving and rugby sevens, one of the sports making its Pan Am debut. Bach has been in Toronto since Monday. He leaves this evening for London where he will be in the stands Sunday for the men's final at Wimbledon between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Reported and written by Kevin Nutley in Toronto.
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