The 2019 Pan American Games entered its first night of competition in Peru, as athletes from the Americas convened for an intracontinental showdown. Positioned at the end of a climactic summer, the Games had much work to do in the immediate aftermath of the World Championships. In true form, however, the athletes delivered, kicking off the event in a way that sent shockwaves throughout the swimming community. A mere tease of what is to come, tonight’s events showcased the strength of the Americas, as Lima revs up for an exciting week of competition.
The Brazilians flanked the United States’ best breaststrokers, as Joao Gomes narrowly took down Cody Miller (59.57) with a 59.51 for the victory. Kevin Cordes made sure to reserve the last spot on the podium with a 1:00.27, as Felipe Ferreira fell short of joining his compatriot at the medal ceremony (1:00.27).
Jorge Murillo of Colombia slashed his time from the World Championships, as he stroked to a season best of 1:00.91. Mexico’s Miguel de Lara Ojeda (1:01.12) engaged in a climactic stroke race with his teammate, Mauro Castillo Luna (1:01.15) to round out the heat, while Martin Malconian (1:02.09) brought up the rear with a time of 1:02.09.
