Panamerican Games 2011

2 Weeks after his famous victory at the Pan American Games which secured his spot at the Olympic Games, UIPM media caught up with Oscar Soto (MEX):

Modern pentathlon has always had an eclectic fan base. Some of its ardent followers include Olympic high jumper Dick Fosbury and swimmer Nancy Hogshead. Rarely, however, does a winter Olympian have a chance to become riveted by the sport that entails epée fencing, swimming 200 meters, equestrian show jumping, and a 3000-meter run interspersed with pistol shooting.

Re-live all the action from the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico where 8 athletes booked their London Olympic ticket in pictures.  Pictures can be seen on the official Modern Pentathlon Facebook page or the official Pentathlon.org gallery.

Oscar Soto (MEX) has used all his experience to cruise to gold at the 2011 Pan American Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico.

American Margaux Isaksen has dominated the Women’s Final at the Pan American Championships to claim gold in Mexico.

The Women’s Final at the Pan American Games in underway in Guadalajara, Mexico.

After three days of rain in Guadalajara, the sun finally appeared today. It was a huge relief for the organizers and the athletes.

The Mexican delegation did an incredible job preparing the venues.The competition venue is only 20 minutes away from the village . All the events will be held in one arena and are less than 40 meters from one an other.

The only issue I have seen thus far, is the temperature of the water. The water is incredibly cold (only 22 degrees Celsius). Everyone is well aware that the competition tomorrow will be cold. The horses seem to be good and well trained. The jury ride today looked promising for tomorrow.

Over 7,500 athletes are participating in Pan American games from over 40 countries. The accommodation is wonderful with one exception. That being that the food lines in the cafeteria sometimes take more than 40 minutes to get through the line and receive a hot meal. The US Pentathletes choose to eat off campus and enjoyed some pizza this evening.

PASO, allowed only two athletes per nation to compete in Pentathlon, hence there will only be 17 women competing tomorrow and 25 men on Sunday.

Pan American Games is the last continental Olympic Qualifier for London next year.

We are now 2 days out from the Women's day for Modern Pentathlon at the Pan American Games. Team Canada has been in the village since October 10th and is now well acquainted with the support staff and residence style living arrangements.

The Modern Pentathlon event at the 2011 Pan American Games is set to take place in Guadalajara, Mexico on 15-16 October 2011.