Jamaica, Panama and Netherlands Antilles finally wrote their names on the medal table by winning their respective first gold medal on the 11th competition day of the Pan American Games.
Churandy Martina of Netherlands Antilles was the hero of Tuesday's athletics competitions as he dashed home with a winning time of 10.15 seconds in the men's 100 meters.
"People in Netherlands Antilles began to celebrate just after I won the title, the first gold for Netherlands Antilles at these Pan American Games. Now I become a hero of them. I will keep working hard and try to win a medal in next year's Beijing Olympic Games," said the overjoyed Churandy Martina.
The silver medal of the event was taken by Darvis Doc Patton of the United States who was timed at 10.17, followed by Brendan Christian of Antigua and Barbuda in the third place at 10.26.
Jamaica also won its first medal on Tuesday through Maurice Smith in decathlon while Panama's first gold came in the men's long jump.
Irving Saladino, now the world No. 1 in men's long jump, surged away to 8.28 meters for the gold in cold drizzle.
Saladino, who won almost all the major international titles in the past two years, is now a hot favorite for the title of the world championship to be held in Osaka, Japan, in August.
In other athletics finals, Canada won the men's shot put and women's 800 meters events while the United States took the gold of the women's 100 meters.
Table tennis produced its first two gold medal with the United States winning the women's team title and Brazil taking the men's team gold, the only gold medal for the Pan Am Games host on Tuesday.
"It's amazing leaving here with a gold medal. These are my fourth Pan American Games and all have been different," said American paddler Tawny Bahn after the United States beat Canada 3-0 in the women's team final.
"The first match was tight and the result was very interesting. Now it's a matter of practicing for next year's Olympic Games and I hope for a performance as good as this one." said Tawny Bahn.
The United States also shared the men's team bronze medal with Canada. The gold was taken by Brazil after it beat Argentina 3-1 in the final.
Another major title on Tuesday was also won by the Americans as its women's basketball team beat Brazil 79-66 in the final.
The two teams fought a close first half and Brazil led by one point 34-33 at interval. But the Americans quickened their pace later in the third quarter to took over the initiative and went on in the fourth quarter to wrap up the match.
"It was a great match. The first three quarters were really tight, both teams did a great job. Our defense played really well and I believe that the ability of each player made the difference in the third quarter." said American coach Dawn Staley.
"Our weakness is still the lack of experience. This is a brand new team, but all the players come from good basketball programs in the United States. Besides, they're all used to participating in great championships in our country." Staley said.
After Tuesday's competitions, the United States lead the medal table with 67 gold, 64 silver and 33 bronze medals. Cuba is still in the second place with 33-17-24 and Brazil is at 30-24-41. The 15th Pan American Games end on July 29.
Source: Xinhua
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