The United States clinched the championship in both the men’s and women’s water polo categories, reaffirming their dominance in the sport and securing a direct berth to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
In another demonstration of their water polo prowess, the United States defeated Brazil 17-7, establishing a commanding lead from the first quarter. The North American team secured their eighth consecutive title and 14th gold medal in the history of this discipline at the Pan American Games. Throughout the competition, the U.S. team scored a total of 149 goals and conceded only 34.
“We are super excited. It’s one more step toward winning medals in Paris. These will be my third Olympic Games, and we have a really good team around us. We have a lot of chances to win medals and bring gold to the United States. We want to go home with the World Championship and then take that victory to the Olympics. We want everyone to fear us and prepare for us,” said the American player Alexander Bowen.
With their eighth consecutive gold at the Pan American Games, the United States earned their tickets to the 2024 Paris Olympics. On the other hand, Brazil will have to attempt Olympic qualification through the Doha 2024 Swimming World Championships.
“As a program, USA Water Polo is doing an incredible job. It’s phenomenal that we have won eight in a row, and hopefully, we can keep going in Colombia in 2027,” Bowen mentioned.
“LOS YACARÉS” CLAIM A PODIUM SPOT
Argentina’s national team defeated Canada 12-10 and earned a water polo medal after 60 years, harking back to their bronze medal at the Sao Paulo 1963 Pan American Games. The historic match saw significant involvement from the goalkeepers, with Argentina’s goalkeeper Diego Malnero making six crucial saves to secure third place.
“It’s been 60 years, many generations, and many cohorts that came close to achieving this. The bronze is not only for us but for all those who tried, and for the entire Argentine people,” said Diego Malnero.
“Los Yacarés,” as the South American team is known, maintained their lead secured in the first two quarters, altering a podium that had been occupied by the United States, Canada, and Brazil since the Santo Domingo 2003 Pan American Games.
“It’s an incredible relief, but all we can do is thank this team, who fought for every ball as if it were the last one. I have teammates who get up in the morning for the first training session, then work or study a full day, and then come to train with us in the evening, combining it with the gym, so it’s an incredible pride to win with these teammates,” said Argentina’s captain, Tomas Echenique.
Written by Alfredo Albornoz and Fernanda Castillo