Team Peru Surf wins the runner-up title at the 2024 Pan American Games.

The participation of Team Peru in Surf at the 2024 Pan American Surf Games, held at the iconic Punta Rocas beach, has left an indelible mark on the history of national sports. With an outstanding performance, the Peruvian team not only excelled in the competition but also secured the runner-up position, solidifying its place among the elite of continental surfing.

Over nine intense days of competition, the Peruvian delegation demonstrated its quality and determination, winning a total of five gold medals and one bronze. Peruvian surfers shone in various categories, delivering memorable performances that captivated the fans who gathered for the event. The standout star of this edition was Itzel Delgado, who took home the gold medal in the SUP Race category, adding another achievement to her already distinguished career.

Another name that resonated strongly was Melanie Giunta, who, with her talent in the Women's Shortboard, achieved a victory celebrated by all Peruvians. Benoit ‘Piccolo’ Clemente, an icon in the Men's Longboard category, also joined the list of champions, while Vania Torres and Sebastián Torres, in the Women's and Men's SUP Surf categories respectively, completed the golden feat of the team. The excitement and pride were evident not only on the faces of the athletes but also in the audience that supported them.

The competition was not only a showcase of Peruvian talent but also involved a total of 200 athletes from 15 countries who came together in a celebration of surfing and sports culture. The vibrant atmosphere experienced at Punta Rocas was a testament to the growing interest and support for this sport in the region. Fans were able to enjoy the event for free, allowing more people to come and appreciate surfing.

The Brazilian team topped the overall medal table, consolidating its dominance in South American surfing by taking first place. With this victory, Brazil becomes a four-time champion of the Pan American Surf Games, particularly excelling in both men's and women's categories. With such a high level of competition, the gold medals for Peru are a testament to the hard work and commitment of its athletes.

Argentina, for its part, claimed third place, also demonstrating its strength in this sport, while Chile took fourth position. This result highlights the increasing competitiveness on the continent and the need to continue working for Peru to remain at the top.

In statements following her victory, Vania Torres expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to compete in Lima 2027, where the next Pan American Games will be held. "These Pan Americans are preparatory for winning the Lima 2027 Pan American Games. We have an incredible venue, with a pool and gym, among other amenities, to arrive in the best shape. Surfing always brings victories,” Torres commented, showcasing her ambition and confidence in the team's future.

It is worth noting that this event marked Peru's return as the host of the Pan American Surf Games, six years after having hosted the same discipline. The establishment of the Surf High-Performance Center (CAR) at Legado in Punta Rocas, built for the Lima 2019 Games, has proven to be a key factor in the preparation and development of Peruvian athletes, providing them with the necessary tools to compete at the highest level.

The 2024 edition of the Pan American Surf Games has not only served as a showcase of local talent but has also reinforced the importance of surfing in national identity. With every wave ridden and every medal won, Peruvian surfers continue to build a legacy that inspires future generations and keeps alive the passion for this sport that means so much to the country.

As the curtains close on this tournament, the surfing community and the sports world in general look forward with optimism. The experiences and lessons learned in Punta Rocas will be vital in facing the challenges ahead in the coming years, especially with an eye on the Lima 2027 Pan American Games, where Peru hopes to shine even brighter.