2019 Pan American Games: Delfina Pignatiello Dominates Women’s 400 Free

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

The 2019 Pan American Games entered its first night of competition in Peru, as athletes from the Americas convened for an intracontinental showdown. Positioned at the end of a climactic summer, the Games had much work to do in the immediate aftermath of the World Championships. In true form, however, the athletes delivered, kicking off the event in a way that sent shockwaves throughout the swimming community. A mere tease of what is to come, tonight’s events showcased the strength of the Americas, as Lima revs up for an exciting week of competition.

As foretold by the heat sheets, Delfina Pignatiello cinched the women’s 400 free victory with ease, dropping a time of 4:10.86 to nab Argentina’s first gold in this event since 1951. The distance stalwart declined an invitation to this year’s World Championships in South Korea, choosing to take her talents to Lima two weeks later. There was certainly a method to the madness, as she gained a commanding lead early on, surging ahead of Canada’s Danica Ludlow (4:11.97) for a historic win.

Ludlow’s compatriot, Patiricia Ackman crashed the pads with a time of 4:12.05 for third, edging out America’s Mariah Denigan (4:12.23) for a spot on the podium. Teammates Aline Rodrigues and Viviane Jungbl created outside smoke, turning in times of 4:12.79 and 4:15.35, respectively. As a result, Mexico’s Allison Ayumi Alba and America’s Rebecca Mann fell in the rankings, clocking in at 4:15.39 and 4:15.51, respectively.

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John Dussliere

4 years ago

Fun to watch a swimmer enjoying the process!!