2026 South and Pan American Senior Championships: Naranjo (ECU) and Rosenegger (CAN) triumph in Lima

The Peruvian capital city was a hive of multisport activity over the course of nine days last month as the great and good of Pentathlon across the Americas gathered in Lima.

The 2026 South and Pan American Senior Championships coincided with its Junior equivalent with almost 20 countries from across North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean represented and eye-catching victories the order of the day.

Adding greater weight to proceedings from July 12th to 20th was the fact that this year’s edition doubled up as both a qualifying competition for next year’s Pan Am Games, which will also take place in Lima, and was also a test event for Pan Am organisers.

In that context, the presence of 16 active countries was a hugely positive sign of the good health of Pentathlon across the region. Prior to the the championships, further growth and support was the focus with both a UIPM Coaches Certification Programme course and a judges course taking place.

Once the action kicked off there were two very novel new individual champions crowned. Teenager Maria Naranjo of Ecuador produced a stunning week of performances to claim Women’s gold in both the Senior and Junior events, her victory in the Senior Final seeing her streak clear of Sofia Cabrera of Guatemala to win. Two years out from the Los Angeles Olympics there was a positive sign for the USA when Madison Gonzalez claimed bronze.

In the Men’s Final, there was another teenage talent rising to the top when Nolan Rosenegger of Canada used a blistering Obstacle performance as the springboard to a breakthrough gold medal. The 19-year-old held off a ferocious finale from Mexican veteran Manuel Padilla to cross the line two seconds ahead of his challenger with Andres Torres (ECU) taking bronze.

Mixed Relay gold went to Ecuador (Naranjo/Torres) while team medals were shared among Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala, the United States and Argentina.

UIPM Executive Board Member and Pan American Confederation President Jorge Salas said: “The warm and friendly atmosphere among athletes, coaches and officials has been a hallmark of these championships. I thank the Peruvian public, all of the volunteers, judges and the Peruvian Modern Pentathlon Federation who helped create such a memorable event.”