Kira Bardin Reflects on Highlights from the 2024 PanAm Open Championships
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by Kira Bardin - U19 Competitor
Over Thanksgiving, I had the amazing opportunity to represent Team USA at the 2024 Open Pan American U19/Senior Championships in Guatemala. It was my first international competition in Modern Pentathlon, and I competed alongside some of the best U19 and Senior athletes from countries like Germany, Argentina, South Africa, and Guatemala.
Wearing the Team USA uniform and standing with my teammates—Mary (Libby) Zolack, Madison Gonzalez, Jordan Towns, and Neallie Gillis-Pade—was the best! Competing with these strong, talented women made me feel so proud to be part of this team, and it’s something I’ll always remember.
Modern Pentathlon, a sport that combines fencing, swimming, running, laser shooting, and obstacle course, challenges every part of you. I’ve been training for this moment since 2021, and arriving at the bustling Guatemala City airport was surreal!
USAPM
USAPM
The Beauty of Guatemala
Guatemala City was filled with energy! The host committee went above and beyond to welcome us, and the facilities at Instituto Austriaco Guatemalteco were great. The weather was perfect, and everything—from the event organization to the local hospitality—made the experience even more special.
A Victory in Fencing
Fencing is my favorite discipline, so I was thrilled to take first place overall in this event. The bonus round was the highlight of the competition for me. Facing off against an amazing competitor from Guatemala, the match came down to the final touch. With the crowd cheering and my teammates supporting me, I landed the winning point. That moment wasn’t just about the win—it was about everything I love about the sport: the strategy, the intensity, and the connection to the audience and my team.
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USAPM
Personal Bests and Pushing Limits
The Pan Ams were also an opportunity to test our limits. Even in the higher elevation, I hit personal bests in both swimming and the laser-run, and those accomplishments felt incredible. The laser-run especially pushed my stamina and focus to the edge, but it also reminded me of how far I’ve come.
Balancing Life as a Student-Athlete
Getting ready for this competition wasn’t easy. Balancing training with school, cross-country practices, and my other responsibilities required a lot of focus and organization. Most days, I’d head to cross-country practice after school, then go straight to fencing from 7 to 9:30 pm. Weekends were packed with swimming, laser shooting, and homework. It was a lot, but knowing I was working toward this incredible opportunity made it all worth it.
USAPM
USAPM
More Than Just Competition
One of the best parts of the Pan Ams wasn’t even on the field—it was meeting other athletes from around the world. One evening, we all gathered at the pool for pizza, and it was so fun to just relax and laugh with competitors from South Africa, Canada, Peru, and more. It reminded me that Pentathlon is about more than just medals; it’s about the connections we make and the community we build.
Gratitude for the Journey
Getting here wasn’t something I did alone, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who made this journey possible. To USA Pentathlon Multisport, Rob Stull, Dr. Genadijus Sokolovas, Pablo Borceguin, and Elite Fencing Academy, thank you for your guidance and support. A special thank you to my family, whose encouragement and belief in me have been my foundation every step of the way.
USAPM
USAPM
Looking Ahead
This experience has inspired me to keep pushing forward. I’m focused on improving my swimming and obstacle course skills and can’t wait to compete internationally again. Back home, I’m helping grow the sport locally through the Elite Pentathlon Club in the DC area, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.
Representing Team USA at the Pan American Championships was more than just an athletic milestone—it was a culmination of hard work, community, and growth. Wearing the uniform, competing with my teammates, and connecting with athletes from around the world was an honor I’ll cherish forever. I hope my journey inspires others to dream big, work hard, and embrace every step of their own paths.
