Brazil makes a statment to Tokyo 2020

Setting new records, the brazilian team showed effience during the 2019 Pan American Games

Brazil’s participation in 2019 Pan American games was just magnificent. Breaking record after record, the representants of South America’s biggest country did so well that they were left behind just by the United States, the major force in the continent.

171 medals were conquered. The result was just a little bit better than 2007’s performance when competing at home, in Rio de Janeiro, with 157 silverwares. Speaking specifically about golds, Brazil had its best mark as well: 55. Five more, when comparing to history best, also in Rio.

Swimming was Brazil’s best sport. Following a good World Aquatics Championships in Gwangju, a month earlier, with 7 medals, the brazilian team was the dominant force in Lima, conquering 30 podiums, giving a great hope to the Olympics next year. 

However, truth has to be said. USA and Canada did not send their best squad and the rest of the continent competes in a level below the average. To exemplify, the only American country to win a medal in the world championship in July was Mexico, and there were no golds for them.

Athletics, gymnastics, sailing and judo did a fine job as well and come, alongside swimming, as Brazil’s biggest shots to medals in Tokyo.

Disappointments

Men’s handball is the major negative surprise. Following a 9th place at the World Cup six months ago, the team lost to Chile in the semifinals and conquered “just” a bronze. The result means that Brazil is going to wait for the African Games to see if it will be possible to play the World Pre-Olympics, as handball is one of the few sports that uses the Pan American Games as a qualifier.

Another bad result came from women’s volley. Playing with a renewed team, the two-time gold medal winner in Olympics got just a 4th place.

By Matheus Garzon/Thenews2