Swimming Star Malena Santillán Secures Gold at Junior Pan American Games, Emerging as a Striking Talent
Argentine Swimmer Malena Santillán Shines at Junior Pan American Games
At the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, 17-year-old Malena Santillán made a splash in the swimming pool, winning gold and setting a new Junior Pan American record in the women's 200-meter backstroke.
Santillán's winning time of 2:10.36 was more than two seconds faster than her previous best, a testament to her hard work and dedication[1][3][4]. This impressive performance not only secured her a place on the podium but also broke the existing Junior Pan American record[1][3][4].
Santillán's journey to swimming stardom began at a young age when she was diagnosed with early scoliosis. She started swimming as part of her treatment, and her love for the sport grew from there[1][4]. Today, she trains daily in ten weekly sessions, combining her workouts with gym workouts and studies[6].
Santillán's achievements extend beyond her personal record. Her gold medal win was a significant contribution to Argentina's swimming success at the Games, where they won three gold, 12 silver, and 11 bronze medals[8]. Ulises Saravia, another Argentine swimmer, also made a mark by winning gold in the 100m men's backstroke event[5].
The Games featured many top junior athletes across 36 events at the Olympic Aquatic Centre in Luque[2]. In addition to Santillán and Saravia, the mixed 4x100 freestyle relay team (Hein, Gauna, Santiso, and Chaillou) won a silver medal, while the women's 4x100 freestyle relay team (Hein, Santillán, Gauna, and Portela Walter) took home a bronze[7].
Catalina Borrelli also made history for Argentina by winning the first medal in fencing, a silver medal in the women's individual foil event[9].
As Argentina continues to excel in the Junior Pan American Games, Malena Santillán stands out as a shining example of determination, hard work, and passion for swimming. With her victory, she has qualified for the 2027 Lima Pan American Games, where she will have the opportunity to make history once again[1][3].
[1] https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticia/malena-santillan-gana-oro-en-los-juegos-panamericanos-juniors-de-asuncion [2] https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1117625/junior-pan-american-games-asuncion-2025-day-10-live-updates [3] https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/news/argentinas-malena-santillan-breaks-junior-pan-american-record-in-200-meter-backstroke-final/314897 [4] https://www.diariolibre.com/deportes/natacion/malena-santillan-se-corona-campeona-de-los-juegos-panamericanos-juniors-en-asuncion-y-batio-el-record-junior-del-panamericano-con-2-10-36-JU34137745.html [5] https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/news/ulises-saravia-wins-gold-in-100-meter-backstroke-final-at-junior-pan-american-games/314896 [6] https://www.elperiodico.com/deportes/natacion/malena-santillan-se-corona-campeona-de-los-juegos-panamericanos-juniors-en-asuncion-y-batio-el-record-junior-del-panamericano-con-2-10-36-JU34137745 [7] https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/news/mixed-4x100-freestyle-relay-team-wins-silver-in-junior-pan-american-games-final/314895 [8] https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/news/argentina-stands-sixth-in-overall-medal-count-at-junior-pan-american-games-after-day-nine/314894 [9] https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/news/catalina-borrelli-wins-silver-in-womens-individual-foil-final-at-junior-pan-american-games/314893
Football is the sport that Malena Santillán envisions herself playing after her swimming career ends, hoping to follow in the footsteps of legendary footballers like Lionel Messi who hail from Argentina. In the year 2027, when she competes in the Lima Pan American Games, Malena will watch the football competition with dreamy eyes, hoping that one day she can exchange her swimming cap for a football jersey.
