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Argentina is facing a big challenge: to improve the numbers achieved in Toronto 2015 Pan American Games. That time, the Argentinian delegation reached seventh place in the medal table, with a total of 75 medals (15 gold, 29 silver, 31 bronze).
In Lima 2019, they want to improve their performance, said Argentina’s Chef de Mission Diego Gusmán who was in Lima to participate in the Seminar conducted by the Pan American Games Organizing Committee and led by Carlos Neuhaus Tudela.
Argentina’s delegation will have around 550 athletes participating in every discipline, except for diving (swimming).
What do you think about Lima 2019 progress in the last months?
We are confirming everything we read in the manuals. All questions that raised after reading them were kindly answered by the organizers.
What is the main objective of the Argentinian delegation during the Pan American Games?
To keep developing Pan American sports. We are obviously part of the South American Sports Organization (ODESUR), and therefore, we are part of Panam Sports, but it is all about the continent's development. Beyond sporting rivalry between our countries, we are always working together so that all the Americas are on the same level as Europe.
How important is the number of qualifying disciplines for Tokyo 2020 in Lima 2019?
Here, many disciplines are qualifiers for the Olympic Games, so our national federations will try to bring the best representatives. It is important to win quota places in Lima 2019 for Tokyo 2020, to have a better preparation. This is why we are making adjustments to the system, so we qualify as many athletes as we can, in as many disciplines as we can in the Pan American Games.
Who are the top athletes and in what sports are they going to represent your country in Lima 2019?
In Argentina, we usually participate more in team sports than in individual sports. But, for example, an important asset for us is in handball, because Tokyo 2020 qualification is good here , and it is important for us to win it in the Pan American Games.
How was your trip to Lima?
Perfect. Lima is an incredible city, it is always a delight. We have been here in the first Youth Olympic Games in 2013, and we have seen how the city and sports have grown. So, for us it feels like home. The new infrastructure will be a very important legacy for Lima.
