Pan American Games Santiago are among the most anticipated tournaments across the globe. It is set to commence on 30th October 2023, But, this time, the celebration is double as the tournament would witness an epic showdown among fencers from America and neighboring countries. 

The tournament will feature participants from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, and Central America. The Pan Am Games are not counted for the qualification, or the ranking achieved for the Paris Olympics 2024. Now the question is: why are the Pan-American Games so important?

Pan American Games, Breakdown. 

The tournament is essential for USA’s fencers as it helps them to sharpen their skills while fighting against the best opponent in the region. In addition, it also helps them to build team fellowship and experience the most challenging atmosphere, as the Pan Am Games is among the largest multi-sport tournaments across the globe. 

Team USA has a different excitement for the upcoming Pan American Games 2023. The major reason for this thrill among spectators is the USA’s previous records. Since 1951, America has secured a minimum of one medal in fencing events at the Pan American Games. Eventually, the USA has also been leading for having the largest medal count in the tournament, along with 80 gold medals. Whereas, the other two teams with maximum medal counts are Cuba with 118 medals and Argentina with 55 medals. 

Being the sixth-most successful sport in the Pan American Games, USA fencing features a tally of the most earned gold medals. Notably, in the last Pan American Games, the USA featured team and individual Gold in the 10 events at the Pan Am Games. This year, America aims to leave no stone unturned to defend its gold medals.  

Stars to Watch at Team USA’s Fencing Athletes at the Pan Am Games

This year, Team USA will compete for gold in five disciplines: Men’s Epee, Men’s Foil, Men’s Saber, Women’s Foil and Women’s Saber. The major attraction at the Pan Am Games 2023 is the fencing legend that would portray exceptional talent on the court. Leading the pack is the Tokyo Olympic Champion, Lee Kiefer, aiming at the Gold in the Pan Am Games. Joining her is Gerek Meinhardt, a Two-time Olympic Bronze medalist and globally ranked no.2 in the men’s foil category, who will defend his Pan Am Games Gold this year. 

Read more: Days After Creating History, USA’s Fencing Legend Clinched Yet Another Gold at the 2023 World Vet Fencing Championship

Nonetheless, Nick Itkin is also under the spotlight nowadays. The 2020 Olympic Bronze medalist and the 2023 FIE Fencing World Championship silver medalist will also participate in the tournament. Along with Nick, a young talent, Magda Skarbonkiewicz, the Junior Women’s Saber World Champion, will be participating in the event. All these luminaries are all set to light up the Pan Am Games while creating a memorable spectacle. 

Overall, due to the smaller size of the event, the events will directly proceed into the round of 16 from pools. Pan American games feature eight countries, which also means that everyone would start directly from the quarterfinals. However, this is not everything about the Pan American Games as it is yet to unfold. 

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