For the 1st time in the history of the Pan American Women’s Individual Championship, two Canadians met in the final: World # 49 NICOLE BUNYAN and World # 66 DANIELLE RAY. Both athletes are 31 this year. RAY (formerly Letourneau), reached a career high of #18 in December of 2021 however in 2022 while defending her Canadian national title tore her ACL, MCL and meniscus during the semifinals ironically against Bunyan and has subsequently undergone multiple knee surgeries and months and months of rehab.
In a see-saw battle between the two Canadians, it was Nicole Bunyan superb fitness that finally allowed her to snatch the Pan American Individual Women’s title winning 12-10 in the 5th
The Peruvian Puma DIEGO ELIAS captured the hearts of the home crowd as he racked up his 3rd Pan American Men’s Individual Championship title, which ties him with Colombia’s superstar Miguel Rodriquez for the most Pan American Men’s Senior Individual’s titles with an impressive five titles (3 Pan American Championships and 2 Pan Am Games). Lima’s 27-year-old megastar boasts the biggest and warmest smile and has quickly made SQUASH a household word throughout South American and especially in Peru.
Colombia’s RONALD PALOMINO, only 25 years old, is currently ranked #127 on the PSA tour. Over a year ago, Palomino hit a career high of 70 and was well on his way to become one of Colombia’s next stars until he ruptured his Achilles in a freak on court accident. The determined Palomino has worked hard to regain his strength and mobility and successfully returned to play capturing 2 gold medals at the 2023 Pan Am Games in Men’s Teams and Men’s Doubles.
DIEGO ELIAS, former World #1 and current World#4 , was an unbelievable human backboard tonight as he relentlessly rebounded every shot Palomino fired at him. To the huge delight of the home crowd and while other championship athletes watched in awe, Elias dominated the entire match hitting nick after nick; winning in straight sets.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 PAN AMERICAN INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Men’s-DIEGO ELIAS (Peru) 11-5, 11-5, 11-3 over Ronald Palomino (Colombia) – 24 minutes
Women’s -NICOLE BUNYAN (Canada) 11-6, 6-11, 9-11, 11-3, 12-10-39 minutes
COMPANION EVENT
Women’s NIKOLE TODD (Canada) 11-9, 11-3, 7-11, 11-3 over Maria Tovar (Colombia)-22 minutes Men’s- Roberto Pezzota (Argentina) vs Miguel (Argentina)- Not Played