Fighting on Two Fronts: My Second Pan American Champs
Rolling up to the start line of a major international championship while wearing the Team USA kit is an honor that’s hard to put into words. This past April, I arrived at my second Pan American Championships in Asuncion, Paraguay. It was the first time I had represented Team USA at a major international competition since 2022, and I had clear goals: a podium in the Team Sprint and new personal bests in the Sprint and Keirin. I felt ready.
Then, on the first day of competition, my body betrayed me. I fell ill, a sudden sickness that drained my energy and left me feeling like a shadow of my best self.
Suddenly, the entire competition was reframed. My goals remained, but I was now fighting on two fronts: one against the best sprinters in the Americas, and another against my own body. Despite feeling far from 100%, I made the decision to compete in all my events.
The level of competition was relentless. Every heat, every round, felt like a final. You're not just racing the clock; you're racing tactical minds honed over years, and doing it with a body that isn't cooperating is a monumental challenge. I was particularly upset about my flying 200m time. I went slower than I had in a training effort back in December. To know you have the speed in your legs but are unable to access it is one of the most frustrating feelings an athlete can experience.
Keirin Round 1 at 2025 Pan American Championships
One moment from the Keirin tournament particularly stands out. Going into the final lap, I was locked on the wheel of the Trinidadian rider. The plan was to follow the Colombian when he attacked on the back straight. But when the attack came, the sheer speed of the move caught me by surprise. I had a split second to decide: follow now and burn the little energy I had, or wait and hope for another chance? I hesitated, a decision that ultimately cost me a few places.
It was a tough tactical lesson, compounded by the frustration of knowing my physical state had dulled my reaction time and confidence in my ability to sprint. At this level, the margins are razor-thin. Hesitation is the enemy, but so is a body that can't respond to what your mind is telling it to do.
Leaving Paraguay, my primary emotion was disappointment. I had set high goals and was unable to meet them. But upon reflection, I have to find the positives. Despite the illness, I still showed up, fought for every inch, and managed to set some in-competition bests. It was an invaluable, if harsh, lesson in mental fortitude and the importance of controlling what you can control. The road to LA 2028 is paved with unexpected challenges, and this was a big one. Now, it's time to recover, learn, and come back stronger.
