This Sunday, July 14th, marks the beginning of the final phase of Olympic preparations for over 135 athletes from 32 countries in the Pan American region. The training camp, hosted in Mulhouse-Alsace, will run until August 4th, serving as a crucial prelude to the Paris Olympic Games.
Located less than three hours from Paris, Mulhouse-Alsace is ready to welcome these athletes from across the Americas. The camp is organized by Panam Sports and the Mulhouse Alsacia Agglomeration, providing an optimal environment for athletes to fine-tune their skills and strategies before heading to the Olympic stage.
Athletes from Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chile, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Suriname, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay will be participating in this comprehensive training camp.
Training across 15 disciplines, including Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Artistic Gymnastics, Judo, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Swimming, Rowing, Taekwondo, Archery, Shooting Sports, Table Tennis, Triathlon, and Beach Volleyball, the athletes are set to prepare intensely for their respective Olympic events.
Among the standout athletes is Marileidy Paulino from the Dominican Republic. As a world champion in the 400-meter dash and 4x400 mixed relay, and a silver Olympic medalist from Tokyo 2020, Paulino is set to lead her country as the flag bearer in Paris 2024. Her prowess on the track has earned her two Pan American championships, making her a formidable competitor.
Ecuador’s Neisi Dajomes, an Olympic champion in weightlifting from Tokyo 2020, will also be training in Mulhouse-Alsace. Dajomes, a world medalist in 2017, 2018, and 2019, and the Pan American champion at Lima 2019, will be carrying her nation's flag at the Olympics.
Grenada’s Anderson Peters, a two-time world champion in javelin at Doha 2019 and Eugene 2022, and the Pan American champion at Lima 2019, will also be preparing for Paris. Peters’ incredible achievements in javelin mark him as a key athlete to watch.
Flor Ruiz Hurtado from Colombia, who recently won a silver medal in javelin at the World Championship in Budapest 2023 and is the Pan American champion in Santiago 2023, will be honing her skills at the camp.
Joining the roster is Angie Palacios of Ecuador, who won the Pan American championship in weightlifting at Santiago 2023 and has secured world medals in 2022 and 2023. Palacios’ continued success highlights her as a significant contender in Paris.
Panama's gymnastics star, Hillary Herón, will also be training at the camp. As the Pan American vice-champion in 2024 and a bronze medalist at the Gymnastics World Cup in Cairo 2023, Herón is set to make a strong impression at the Olympics.
Her fellow countrywoman, Karla Navas, who claimed gold at the Doha World Cup in 2024 and is a Pan American champion at Santa Marta 2024, will also be preparing in Mulhouse-Alsace. Navas’ achievements in gymnastics underscore her potential for Olympic success.
Ecuador's Lisseth Ayovi, who won a silver medal in weightlifting at Santiago 2023 and a bronze medal at the Riyadh 2023 world championship, will be part of this elite training camp. Her strength and dedication are key assets as she prepares for Paris.
Lastly, Alexander Ogando from the Dominican Republic, a silver Olympic medalist in the 4x400 mixed relay at Tokyo 2020 and the latest world champion at the Paris 2024 Diamond League, will be training with his sights set on Olympic glory.
The Panam Sports Channel will provide extensive coverage of the training camp and the Olympic Games, broadcasting a daily 30-minute show from Mulhouse starting July 15th. The program will feature interviews, reports, and testimonials, offering a comprehensive look at the athletes' preparations and their journey to the Olympic Games.
As these athletes embark on their final preparations, the training camp in Mulhouse-Alsace stands as a pivotal point in their journey to Paris 2024, ensuring they are ready to compete at the highest level and make their countries proud on the world stage.
Jamaican hurdler Damion Thomas reveals career-saving surgery, eyes return to top form
Jamaican hurdler Damion Thomas, a promising talent who has seen his career hampered by injuries, on Sunday revealed that he underwent surgery on October 21 to address a persistent foot issue. The procedure, known as an osteophytectomy, involved the removal of a bone spur that had been causing severe discomfort and pain in his Achilles tendon and lower heel, limiting his ability to train and perform at his best.
Thomas, who has made significant strides in his athletic career despite facing recurring injuries, expressed gratitude for the medical support he’s received. Under the guidance of Dr. John Thompson, a specialist who has overseen his rehabilitation since March, Thomas has worked through rigorous physical therapy and orthopedic care to manage his injury. However, as the pain continued to affect his performance, surgery became necessary to give him the best chance at a full recovery.
“This past year working with Dr. Thompson has been monumental,” Thomas shared on social media. “Since March, Dr. Thompson’s overseeing of my injury through physical therapy, orthopedic care, and lastly surgical procedure has been a driving force in allowing me to finish the previous season and set myself up for a new future. I am thankful.”
The 24-year-old hurdler, who specializes in the 110m and 60m hurdles, has a decorated history in athletics. A former Louisiana State University (LSU) standout, Thomas won the 2021 NCAA Indoor 60m hurdle title, setting a school record and becoming the fifth-fastest hurdler in NCAA history. In 2018, he equaled the junior world record of 12.99 seconds in the 110m hurdles, a feat that positioned him as one of the most promising young hurdlers globally. Thomas also represented Jamaica at the Tokyo Olympics, advancing to the semi-finals with a time of 13.39 seconds in the 110m hurdles.
In early 2024, Thomas was selected to represent Jamaica at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow. Despite his impressive achievements, ongoing injuries have held him back from reaching his full potential on the international stage.
With the surgery now behind him, Thomas is focused on recovery and a strong comeback. His determination to overcome setbacks highlights his commitment to his sport, and fans are hopeful that the procedure will enable him to return to peak form in the coming season.
Dominica’s Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson awarded nation’s highest honour
Paris Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond-Gadson was conferred with Dominica’s highest honour, the Dominica Honour Award, on Sunday in recognition of her extraordinary achievements in 2024. LaFond-Gadson, who made history by becoming Dominica’s first Olympic medalist with her gold in the triple jump in Paris, also won the triple jump title at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, earlier in March. Each of these remarkable victories marked a historic first for a Dominican athlete, solidifying her legacy as one of the country’s most celebrated sports figures.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt had previously announced that LaFond-Gadson would be honoured with the Dominica Honour Award during her visit to the island shortly after the Olympics. The formal recognition took place during the National Parade, where the Prime Minister addressed the nation, and all honorees were celebrated for their contributions to Dominica.
The Dominica Honour Award is presented annually during the Independence Day Rally to individuals who have significantly impacted the nation’s landscape. This year, LaFond-Gadson was one of 18 Dominicans and international honorees recognized. The award was presented by Dominica’s President, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, in a ceremony that highlighted LaFond-Gadson’s exceptional achievements and the pride she has inspired across the nation.
Speaking to the media after receiving the award, LaFond-Gadson expressed that the honour was her “greatest achievement ever” and encouraged young Dominicans to pursue their dreams with dedication and passion.
The celebration of LaFond-Gadson’s accomplishments does not end with Sunday’s parade. A luncheon hosted by a private sector organization was scheduled for Monday in her honour, extending the nation’s gratitude for her contributions. Her recognition comes in addition to being named a Sports Ambassador two months ago, along with receiving a $400,000 gift and a land grant from the government.
Prime Minister Skerritt, in his address, acknowledged the immense pride that LaFond-Gadson has brought to Dominica, calling her achievements a source of inspiration for the entire nation. With her historic Olympic victory and her continued dedication to her country, Thea LaFond-Gadson has undoubtedly secured her place as a Dominican icon.
'A true honour': Long jumper Wayne Pinnock hails CWC Foundation fundraising gala a testament to the power of community support
Jamaica’s rising long jump star, Wayne Pinnock, expressed deep gratitude and pride at being among the main cast at the Cable and Wireless Charitable Foundation Fundraising Gala held on the Seafair Luxury Yacht in Miami on Friday.
Pinnock, who recently took the track and field world by storm with his silver medal performances at the 2023 World Championship and 2024 Paris Olympic Games, was among an illustrious group of Caribbean athletes that gathered on the yacht to play their part in empowering communities and creating positive change.
The 24-year-old Pinnock was joined by Jamaican sprint legends Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson, rising star Charokee Young, and Bahamian sprint hurdler Devynne Charlton. Together, they represented the strength, resilience, and achievements of Caribbean athletes on the global stage.
Speaking warmly about the event, dubbed an evening of elegance and philanthropy, Pinnock shared how honored he felt to participate in the gala, which raised crucial funds for causes close to his heart.
“I want to thank everyone who contributed to this amazing event and for using me as an inspiration for the elegance and philanthropy gala. Being able to attend such a stunning event in support of an important cause was a true honour,” Pinnock said in a social media post.
The Cable and Wireless Charitable Foundation has long been committed to supporting education, healthcare, and community projects across the Caribbean.
For Pinnock and his fellow athletes, the foundation’s mission resonates deeply, as they fully understand the importance of giving back and the impact that support can have on young people’s lives.
In fact, he pointed out that the gala was more than an evening of glamour—it was a reminder of his journey, a celebration of the Caribbean spirit, and a powerful opportunity to give back to the region that shaped him.
“Warmth, vision, and a common dedication to supporting Caribbean athletes as they strive for their Olympic aspirations characterized the remarkable evening. I’m incredibly appreciative of the chance to be around these driven, committed people. Once again, I want to thank you for letting me be a part of this night that will never be forgotten and for your dedication to changing the world,” Pinnock noted.
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