The greatest gymnast of all time, Simone Biles from the United States, was delighted with her two-day visit to Cusco, in southeastern Peru, where she toured the Main Square, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Urubamba.
Summing up the experience with a short but meaningful message, Biles said, "Peru is fantastic," making a personal effort to say it in Spanish.
Due to a forest fire along the railway leading to Machu Picchu, the medal-winning athlete had to postpone her visit to the Inca citadel until further notice.
However, Biles made the most of every minute, taking in the stunning scenery, feeling the Imperial City's energy, enjoying a cup of coffee, and posing for numerous photos with fans who recognized her.
"I'm delighted by how beautiful this country is, its culture, its colors, and the kindness of its people. I'll definitely come back in the future. There's so much to see—it's an amazing country," said the winner of 11 Olympic medals (seven gold, two silver, and two bronze).
The athlete even took time to bottle-feed alpacas while gently interacting with them, an experience she thoroughly enjoyed and celebrated.
Biles returned to Lima on Wednesday evening to take part, as Panam Sports' special guest, in Thursday's "One Year to Go Lima 2027" launch event for the Games.
"Thank you to Peru, Panam Sports, and the Lima 2027 Organizing Committee for allowing me to be here. I'm truly excited to see you all at the Main Square," she expressed.
Main ceremony
Special guest Karen Palomeque of the Americas Paralympic Committee (AmPC) will also attend.
The Colombian para-athlete holds three world records and is a Paralympic Games medalist.
She, along with officials from both organizations (Panam Sports and the AmPC), is expected in Lima this Thursday.
The event will begin at around 4:00 p.m. (local time) with the launch of the Games' Volunteer Program, followed by a series of activities until 7:00 p.m., when the official ceremony is scheduled to start.
It will be led by President Keiko Fujimori, accompanied by Peruvian athletes and para-athletes.
The ceremony will be broadcast live on TV Peru.
The 20th Lima 2027 Pan American Games will take place from July 23 to August 8, 2027, bringing together more than 7,000 athletes from 41 countries to compete in 38 sports and 59 disciplines over 17 days.
The Parapan American Games will be held from August 20 to 29, featuring para-athletes from 34 countries competing in 17 sports and 18 disciplines.
Publicado: 6/8/2026