2025 Bolivarian Games: History and progress made in Lima (PER) as Guatemala dominate

With a hugely significant couple of years of sport rapidly approaching over the Andes, the spectacular Peruvian capital of Lima was the scene of a little bit of history in recent weeks.

The 2025 edition of the Bolivarian Games, a multisport event held in honour of Simón Bolívar which have been taking place since the 1930s, were held in Lima (PER) in late November and early December. 

For the first time, Modern Pentathlon was included in the programme and the Lima 2025 Bolivarian Games was treated to an exhilarating exhibition of the best of the sport. 

With seven countries participating, Women’s, Men’s and Mixed Relay competitions were held against a stunning geographical backdrop. The host nation of Peru was joined by Chile, with Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Dominican Republic and Guatemala also represented.

The Women’s Individual race saw a gripping battle eventually decided in a tight Laser Run finale as Sofia Cabrera (GUA) claimed the gold medal, seeing off compatriot Paula Valencia (GUA) by just 9sec with Maria Sol Naranjo (ECU) in close pursuit as she won bronze. 

The Men’s Individual race proved to be a lot tighter, about as close as any decider can get as just two seconds separated the first four competitors across the finishing line. It was another gold for Guatemala as Andres Fernandez (GUA) held off teammate Juan Ochoa (GUA) with Albert Rivas (VEN) edging in front of Josue Naranjo Vega (ECU) to claim the bronze. 

The event was attended by Jorge Salas, President of the South American and Pan American Confederations (CSPM and CPPM; Alfredo Cura Portocarrero, president of the Peruvian Federation; Renzo Manyari, president of the Peruvian Olympic Committee and Baltazar Medina, president of ODEBO, the Bolivarian Sports Organization.

The quality of all three contests provided a perfect appetiser for the locals who will see Modern Pentathlon return when the XX Pan American Games come to Lima (PER) in 2027. 

Jorge Salas OLY, President of the CSPM and CPPM, said: “We have witnessed a wonderful competition here with top-level facilities and equipment, and my thanks to the excellent organisation by the Peruvian Modern Pentathlon Federation. The Peruvian public turned out in large numbers for the event, which was characterised by a warm and friendly atmosphere among athletes and coaches. 

“During the event, we have held very productive meetings and reached agreements to ensure the continuation of Pentathlon in upcoming Bolivarian Games, the holding of the 2026 Pan American qualifying event and test event in Lima, and the next Pan American Games in Lima in 2027. In short, a sporting and political success that strengthens our sport on the continent.”