Sports NewsTaco August 3, 2016

Latin American Athletes to Watch at the 2016 Rio Olympics

*The opening ceremonies are only 2 days away. VL

NBC_News_2013_logoBy Darek Michael, NBC News

The much anticipated Summer 2016 Olympics in Rio start on Friday, and Olympians have been training to compete on a global stage in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

All nations are sending a combination of both younger more “rookie” athletes and veterans. The fresh faces are looking to make an impact on the tournament, and the returning athletes aim to defend their titles and world records.

Here’s a list of athletes from some of our home countries we’ll be watching at theSummer Olympic Games.

Mariana Pajón — Cycling BMX

UCI BMX Super Cross World Cup - Santiago del Estero
BMX cyclist Mariana Pajon of Colombia looks during the Time Trial event during the UCI BMX Super Cross World Cup on March 25, 2016 in Santiago del Estero, Argentina Maximiliano Blanco / LatinContent/Getty Images

Age: 24

Born: Medellín, Colombia

Team: Colombia

Pajón, the “Queen of BMX” was born and raised in Colombia. She won her first Olympic Gold Medal at the summer 2012 Olympics and is also a four-time BMX World Champion. She’s defended her World Champion title since 2014 and looks to do the same this summer in the Olympics.

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[Photo by Luciano Silva,Flickr]

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