Team USA sailors delivered a standout performance at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games, winning two gold medals and one bronze on the waters of the Paraná River. The Junior Pan American Games, now in its second edition, brought together athletes ages 17–22 from across the Americas, with 23 countries competing in the sailing events.
After three days of racing in challenging light and shifty conditions, Makani Andrews (Men’s iQFOiL) and Hamilton Barclay (ILCA 7) each secured gold medals in their respective fleets. Both sailors were able to take advantage of their boat speed to dominate the competition – Barclay and Andrews each won three of their five races.
“It feels great – This was the big event I worked towards all summer, and to see it all come together is a dream come true,” said Barclay of his win. “This was really unique event, and I’m happy to come away with the win,” said Andrews. “I was able to sail against some of my best friends from the iQFOiL class, which is always fun.”
As the gold medalists in the iQFOiL and ILCA 7 classes, Andrews and Barclay will qualify directly by name to the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.
In the event’s fourth and final day, Danicka Sailer (Women’s iQFOiL) capped off a successful Pan Am Games with a bronze medal. Sailer closed her series in style, winning the final race of the event.
“It feels great, I’m really proud of myself,” said Sailer after her final day on the water. “I kept it simple: good jibes and good starts. Now I get a pretty cool medal and a little jaguar plushie, so that’s fun!”
In the ILCA 6 class, US representative Isabella Mendoza Cabesas took fifth overall after five races, including a highlight race win in race 2.
Team Leader and ILCA coach Rosie Chapman praised the athletes’ resilience and preparation throughout the week. “A highlight of the week was watching the team rally together on the final morning to help Danicka rig and see her off the beach – a real testimony to the team environment. I am proud of these young athletes for their composure and commitment this week,” said Chapman. “I can’t thank Sally [Barkow] enough for all her support on and off the water this week. She brings a wealth of knowledge that helped guide the team to success. The future is bright, I am excited to see where these athletes will go.”
The U.S. squad competing in Encarnación included:
- Isabella Mendoza Cabezas (ILCA 6)
- Hamilton Barclay (ILCA 7) – Gold Medal
- Makani Andrews (Men’s iQFOiL) – Gold Medal
- Danicka Sailer (Women’s iQFOiL) – Bronze Medal
The 2025 Junior Pan American Games ran August 9–23 in Asunción, Paraguay, with sailing held August 13–18 in Encarnación. Racing took place August 15–17 with a reserve day on August 18.
Team USA’s three-medal finish highlights the strength of the next generation of American sailors on the international stage and continues to build momentum toward the Pan American Games and beyond.