Mandy Marquardt Makes History at Pan American Games
09 November 2023
Pro Track rider Mandy Marquardt made history at the Pan American Games where she won the first ever medal for the USA in the Women’s Team Sprint. As part of the three-rider sprint team, Marquardt and the team claimed the silver medal and set a new national record at the the largest multi-sport event in the Americas, held in Santiago, Chile, October 24-28.
The Team Novo Nordisk rider also became the first racer in 20 years to claim a medal in the Women’s Sprint by winning the bronze on the final day of track cycling competition. She also finished fifth in the Women’s Keirin.
“It has been a long four days of racing without much sleep, but we prepared for this! Our USA Cycling and Team USA staff and coaches have been incredible in ensuring we have what we need to be our best every day.”
On the first day of competition, Marquardt and her Team USA teammates Keely Ainslie & Kayla Hankins clocked a time of 48.001 to win the silver the Women’s Team Sprint and best her own national record.
“We’ve all made the commitment and put in the work, and it’s encouraging to see it unfold for us. I’m excited to continue to build on that momentum.” added Marquardt, who was an instrumental part of the USA Track Team that competed at the 2023 Pan American Continental Track Championships in June to help qualify the United States and its athletes for the Pan American Games.
In the Women’s Sprint competition, Marquardt qualified in fifth place and then won all her heats in the eight- and quarter- finals. After going head to head in a tactical and well executed semi-finals with the eventual gold winner, Marquardt won both her heats in the battle for the bronze medal.
“It’s been a memorable experience representing Team USA alongside all the other Olympic sports. It was a blast being in the village and seeing all the flags hanging from the balcony and trading pins with other athletes from different countries. It was also amazing to meet fellow Team Novo Nordisk Ambassador and Chilean track and field sprinter, Maria Ignacia.”
Marquardt is now a two-time Pan American Games medalist, an eight-time Pan American Championship Track Medalist, and the holder of five national records, in the Women’s 1km TT (2020), Women’s 500m TT (2023), two-rider Women’s Team Sprint (2018), three-rider Women’s Team Sprint outdoor 1000m (2022), and three-rider Women’s Team Sprint on indoor 750m – the Olympic standard (2023).
The Pan American Championships are held every four years and Chile was the host country for the first time in its history. A total of 28 riders represented the United States at the event, in Road, Mountain Bike, Track, BMX Racing, and BMX Freestyle.
After spending time with family, and recovering at home, Marquardt will return to training with her eyes firmly set on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.