Pan American Games 2023: Team USA's Samuel Watson claims historic men's speed climbing title
Watson's victory in Santiago, Chile, secured a spot at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and he shared an emotional moment with his father afterwards.
Sport Climbing
Team USA's Samuel Watson won the first ever Pan American Games men's speed climbing gold medal on Sunday (22 October).
The 17-year-old star scaled the 15m wall in just 5.37 seconds to edge out teammate Noah Bratschi and secure a quota to the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
The crowd was on edge as the two Americans stepped up to the wall for the gold medal match, having been separated by just 0.05 seconds in the semi-finals.
In the end, a stumble from Bratschi gave Watson the advantage, who needed no second invitation to take the win.
The crowd erupted and Watson's father, Ray, couldn't hold back the tears.
Samuel Watson of United States (L) and Emilio Flores compete in Men's Speed Climbing at Muros de Escalada Parque Cerrillos on Day 2 of Santiago 2023 Pan Am games during on October 22, 2023 in Santiago, Chile.
"I love [my parents] so dearly. They've gone to almost every single competition on the adult circuit, travelled the world, supported me financially, emotionally, after every single bad comp. I could always go for them for a hug after every single great comp and that feels even better," Watson said after.
As soon as Watson saw his father, the climber leapt into his arms and they shared a long hug.
"I'm proud of you, son," Watson Sr. said.
The United States star's fastest run of the day came during the quarter finals, where he clocked 5.05 to defeat Ecuador's Isaac Estevez.
Estevez' compatriot Carlos Granja sealed victory in the bronze medal match against Canada's Ethan Flynn-Pitcher by just 0.07 seconds.
National Olympic Committees (NOCs) have the exclusive authority for the representation of their respective NOC teams at the Olympic Games. Athletes' participation at the Paris Games depends on their NOC selecting them to represent their delegation at Paris 2024.
Results from men's speed climbing at Pan American Games 2023:
Quarter-Finals
Samuel Watson (USA) 5.05 def. Isaac Estevez (ECU) 5.68
Ethan Flynn-Pitcher (CAN) 5.66 def. Valentin Sternik (ARG) 9.19
Carlos Granja (ECU) 5.57 def. Dylan Le (CAN) 5.84
Pedro Egg (BRA) 7.04 lost to Noah Bratschi (USA) 5.47
Semi-Finals
Samuel Watson (USA) 5.32 def. Ethan Flynn-Pitcher (CAN) X
Carlos Granja (ECU) X lost to Noah Bratschi (USA) 5.37
Bronze medal match
Ethan Flynn-Pitcher (CAN) 5.59 lost to Carlos Granja (ECU) 5.52
Gold medal match
Samuel Watson (USA) 5.37 def. Noah Bratschi (USA) 5.96