On October 20, the 2023 Pan American Games began in Santiago with the traditional opening ceremony. However, there was one notable absence from the parade of delegations: the flag of one of the 41 participating countries was not present, but its athletes were. They are called “Independent Athletes”.
Below, learn more about this group of athletes and the reason why they don’t have their own flag.
Who is with the private athletes of the Pan American Games?
At the opening ceremony of the Pan American Games Santiago 2023, in which all countries raised their flags, a group of athletes attracted attention by holding up a sign that read “Independent Athletes.” But what did this unusual statement mean?
Due to situations such as last year’s conflict between Russia and Belarus with Ukraine, private athletes are unable to represent their country’s flag in competitions.
“Independent Athletes” is the name of a special team of athletes at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago. Photo: El Grafico
Independent athletes at the Pan American Games are athletes who compete without representing a specific nation. For various reasons, they often participate under a neutral flag, highlighting their commitment and passion for the sport that transcends national affiliation. These athletes exemplify the universality and sportsmanship of the Games.
In Santiago 2023, the private athletes will be represented by the Guatemalan delegation, which was suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The suspension was due to government intervention in the Guatemalan Olympic Committee (COG) in October last year, which the IOC said violated the requirements of the Olympic Charter.
Independent athletes. Photo: PubliNews
At these Pan American Games, Guatemalan athletes find themselves in the second Olympic cycle without the opportunity to wear a national uniform and without the honor of hearing the national anthem when they stand at the top of the podium. This situation has already happened three times during the sporting event.
How many sports will take part in Santiago 2023?
The 2023 Pan American Games, taking place this year in Santiago, Chile, are the most important event in sports alongside the World Cup. 58 different sports will take part in this edition (47 from the Olympic program and 11 non-Olympic).
What is required to participate in the Pan American Games?
In order to participate in the Pan American Games, a participant must adhere to and comply with the Pan American Sports Constitution and the Games Regulations. and the regulations of its National Olympic Committee and the Pan American Sports Federation and/or the International Federation of the sport it represents.
Diego Elías was crowned two-time Pan American Games champion. Photo: Capture/Panam Sports
Which countries will take part in the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago?
41 countries from across the Americas are participating in the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago.
- Old and bearded
- Argentina
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belice
- Bermuda
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Ecuador
- The saviour
- USA
- Granada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Cayman Islands
- British Virgin Islands
- American Virgin Islands
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- Dominican Republic
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Saint Lucia
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
What sports are available in Santiago 2023?
There are many disciplines that are on the list of competitions for the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago. Below are the sports in which various professional athletes excel.
- Nailed
- Bathe
- artistic swimming
- Water polo
- Swimming in open water
- Marathon
- march
- athletics
- badminton
- Handball
- basketball
- 3×3 basketball
- baseball
- Boxing
- bowling
- Break
- Slalom canoeing
- Speedboating
- BMX freestyle
- BMX racing
- Mountain bike
- Track cycling
- Bicycle route
- Riding training
- Complete equestrian event
- Show jumping
- Climb
- fencing
- Water skiing and wakeboarding
- football
- Artistic gymnastics for men
- Artistic gymnastics for women
- Rhythmic gymnastics
- Trampoline gymnastics
- golf
- Field hockey
- Judo
- karate
- Weightlifting
- Lucha
- figure skating
- Skateboarding
- Speed skating
- Vasca ball
- Modern pentathlon
- Racquetball
- Remo
- Rugby 7
- Soft ball
- To squeeze
- surfing
- Taekwondo
- tennis
- Table tennis
- number
- Archery
- Triathlon
- Vela
- volleyball
- Beach volleyball