Panama’s Olympic Hopefuls
(http://www.costaricapages.com/panama/blog/) The Olympics are now underway in Beijing, China and Panama is represented by five athletes. Panama’s most famous boxer, Roberto Duran is the nation’s sports ambassador in Beijing. Panama has claimed just two Olympic medals, both bronzes, earned by Lloyd LaBeach in 1948 for the 100m and 200m in track and field.
These are the athletes representing Panama in Beijing:
IRVING SALADINO
Saladino is the favourite to win gold in the long jump event. In May Saladino recorded the best long jump in 14 years, with a leap of 8.73 meters. He is now ranked 7th of all time for long jumping. Saladino will compete on Saturday, August 16th at 7am.
BAYANO KAMANI
Kamani is competing in the 400 meter hurdles in Beijing. The favourite going in to the event is Bershawn Jackson from the US, but Bayano is a talented athlete and stands a good chance. He competes Friday, August 15th at 8:55 am.
EDGAR CRESPO
Crespo is entered in the 100 meter breast-stroke. Chronologically he will be the first Panamanian to compete in the games, taking to the pool on Saturday, August 9 at 7:45am.
CHRISTIE BODDEN
Bodden is also competing in the pool, in the 100 meter backstroke. To catch her race you’ll have to be up early. She competes Sunday, August 10th at 5:30 in the morning.
YESIKA JIMENEZ
Yesika is representing Panama in women’s fencing. The favourite to win gold is a Chinese fencer, but Jimenez will hopefully make Panama proud on Wednesday, August 13th at 1am.
With just two Olympic medals under their belt, it would be great if the Panamanian athletes can come home with some hardware.
