BMX Freestyle Pan American Championships: Results, medals and wrap up

The 2024 Pan American BMX Freestyle Championships held from 1 to 3 November in Santiago, Chile showcased the talents of well-known favourites, including Argentina's José 'Maligno' Torres, fresh off his Paris 2024 Olympic gold win.

In the women’s division, hometown hero Macarena Pérez Grasset a two-time Olympian who placed fifth in Paris, delivered an equally impressive ride, taking gold to the delight of Chilean fans.

Another highlight was the farewell of Venezuelan Daniel Dhers, an Olympic silver medalist from Tokyo 2020 and a true BMX icon, who rode in his final competition, receiving an emotional tribute.

Here’s a recap of the results and memorable moments from this year's championship.

BMX Freestyle: Results and medals

A glorious win on home soil for Pérez

Chile's two-time Olympian Macarena Pérez Grasset delivered an electrifying performance to claim the top spot in the women's competition. Scoring 80.50 points, Pérez narrowly edged out Venezuela’s Queensaray Villegas, who took silver with a score of 80.00.

Queensaray's twin, Liz Villegas, climbed to the third step of the podium and achieved her first medal after having suffered several injuries this season that kept her out of the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

American legend Cory Coffey finished the competition in eighth place, while compatriot and Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Hannah Roberts did not compete.

The gold-medal rider Pérez Grasset, who represented Team Chile at Paris 2024, thrilled her home crowd while staying calm under pressure as she overcame moments of uncertainty.

Reflecting on her victory, Pérez shared with PanAm Sports: “I am very happy to have won here in my country, with my people and my friends. They all set the bar very high, I was a little insecure at one point, but I relaxed and enjoyed the competition, and I am very happy to take first place.”

BMX Results: women

1. 🥇 Macarena Pérez (Chile)
2. 🥈 Queen Villegas (Colombia)
3. 🥉 Liz Villegas (Colombia)

José Torres secures men’s gold amid fierce competition

In the men’s event, Argentina's reigning Olympic champion José 'Maligno' Torres lived up to his title as the favourite, securing gold despite a challenging final round. Torres came out strong early with a stellar first-round performance, but a fall near the end of his second run kept the audience on edge. Despite the setback, Torres’s score remained unmatched, defending his title as the Pan American champion. Another accolade to add to his golden year.

“Everyone here is getting stronger, and the level was incredibly high,” said Torres, reflecting on the competition. “I had to push myself harder, especially after recovering from my knee injury. Everything went very well, and I am very happy.”

Colombian riders Juan Camilo Caicedo and Luis Rincón claimed silver and bronze, respectively, adding to the growing successes of their nation in the sport.

• Paris 2024 cycling: All results, as Jose Torres Gil of Argentina grabs thrilling gold in men's BMX freestyle

A heartfelt farewell for Daniel Dhers

The most emotional moment of the championships came with the farewell of Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Daniel Dhers. The Venezuelan BMX legend marked his final competitive ride on American soil and received a standing ovation from fellow competitors and the Chilean public as he bid farewell to the sport.

“Twenty years of emotions, joys, and also sadness,” the 39-year-old remarked. “I am happy and thankful for everyone who supported my career. Now, my journey continues in this sport as a coach.”

The top riders from the Americas will soon shift their focus to the upcoming BMX Freestyle World Championships in Abu Dhabi from 17 - 21 December, where they will have one last chance to make their mark on an eventful year.

• Daniel Dhers aka 'The Boss': an inspiration for BMX freestylers
• BMX results: men

1. 🥇 José Torres Gil (Argentina)
2. 🥈 Juan Camilo Caicedo (Colombia)
3. 🥉 Luis Rincón (Colombia)