1955 Summary

At its meeting in Buenos Aires before the 1951 games, the Pan American Sports Committee (PASC) chose Mexico City as host for the 2nd Pan American Games.

At a meeting in early 1955, PASC was renamed the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO). Douglas F. Roby, Vice-President of the USOC, was elected President for 1955-1959. Due to criticism from the IOC, PASO adopted its own logo and flag at this meeting.

At a meeting before the 1955 games began, Cleveland was selected to host the 3rd Pan American Games in 1959.

THE OPENING CEREMONIES

The 2nd Pan American Games opened on 12 March in the University Stadium (now Olympic Stadium) before a capacity crowd of 100,000 spectators.

2583 athletes from 22 nations marched in review and formed ranks upon the infield. The nations paraded into the stadium in Spanish alphabetical order: Argentina, Netherlands Antilles, Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chile, El Salvador, United States, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Domincian Republic, Trinidad, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Mexico. The Stars and Stripes were carried by Shot Putter Parry O'Brien. The hot sun, combined with the high altitude, caused two members of the U.S. team to collapse. Both quickly recovered.

After the parade, the President of Mexico, Adolfo Ruiz Cortines spoke: "In the name of the fraternity and liberty and the peace which we share I hereby declare the second Pan American Games solemnly opened. The victories of our guests will be our own." 2000 doves were released into the air and the Pan American and Olympic Flags were raised. A Pan American Hymn was written by Armando Gonzalez was performed. The Flags of the 22 nations were raised one after the other as the band played the national anthems. When the Mexican National Anthem was played the 100,000 spectators lit rolled-up newspapers and sang in unison. As the anthems were played the flagbearers formed a semi-circle around the rostrum, where Mexican diver Joaquin Capilla took the oath on behalf of all the athletes.

Finally, the Pan American Torch arrived. The torch was lit on La Estrella, where the Aztecs kept their sacred fires, and carried by a relay of Native Americans to the stadium. Eligio Galacia, Central American Games Champion in the 3000m Steeplechase, lit the Pan American Flame in the stadium.

The ceremony came to an end with an elaborate dance by hundreds of native women.

Parry O'Brien leads Team USA into the Opening Ceremony.

Men's Athletics - Despite feats about the high altitude, there were few problems caused by the relative lack of oxygen. The U.S. was the dominent nations with 15 gold, 11 silver, and 5 bronze medals. In the process they broke 1 world and 15 Pan-Am records. Adhemar Ferreira Da Silva of Brazil won his 2nd consecutive Triple Jump gold. Olympic gold medalists Parry O'Brien won the Shot-Put and finished 2nd in the Discus. Argentina's Oswaldo Suarez won both the 5000m and 10,000m. Future Olympic gold medalist Rafer Johnson won the Decathlon title.

Women's Athletics - The U.S. team won all 4 of the 7 events, including the relay. Pan-Am records were set in all but the 80m Hurdles.

Baseball - The Dominican Republic (6-2) won the gold followed by the U.S. (5-3). Venezuela beat Mexico 8-2 in a playoff for the bronze. The U.S. was less than warmly received by the Mexican fans, sho occasionally pelted them with stones and trash. The Netherlands Antilles, despite beating Mexico 11-7. was notable for its futillity. They were outscored by their opponents 110-47, including a 27-6 drubbing at the hands of the U.S.

Men's Basketball - The U.S. team was composed of AAU and Armed Forces players. The Americans, Argentines, and Brazilians finished in a three-way tie. Using goal differencial, the U.S. was awarded the gold, Argentina the silver, and Brazil the bronze.

Women's Basketball - Held for the first time, the U.S. cruised to the gold medal. The set a free throw record in their first game, against Mexico, sinking all 17 attempts.

Boxing - The U.S. won 7 medlas (3 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze). Argentina won 4 classes, as well as 2 silver and 1 bronze. The bours were held in the rundown Mexico Arena, as the intended venue was still under construction.

Cycling - Equality was in evidence as each of the four events was won by athletes representing different nations. The major story was the 4000m Pursuit. In the bronze medal race, the U.S. was reduced to three riders due to the sudden illness of Alfred Stiller. Thus weakened, the U.S. lost by 10 seconds.

Men's Diving - Joaquin Capilla of Mexico duplicated his 1951 performance by winning both events. The other 4 medals were won by Americans.

Women's Diving - Pat McCormick (USA) won both events, bringing her career total to three golds.

Equestrian - Mexico dominated the riding events with 3 of 4 golds, a silver, and a bronze. The Three-Day Event, in the thin air, proved brutal. So many teams were eliminated due to rider falls, errors, and penalties, that Mexico was the only team to finish the competition with a full team. Thus, Mexico was awarded the gold, while the silver and bronze went unclaimed. A U.S. rider, J.E.B. Wofford, was injured in a fall during the cross-country phase.

Fencing - The U.S. and Argentina each won 3 events, while Mexico won one.

Gymnastics - Oddly enough, the gymnastics events were held in a TV studio! The U.S. won 10 of 11 individual gold medals, and all 7 team golds. Francisco Jose Alvarez of Mexico was the lone exception, winning the Club Swinging gold. The Beckner brothers led the U.S., turning in phenominal performances. John won four individual golds, and Richard added 1 gold and 1 silver in individual events.

Modern Pentathlon - Mexico reaped gold in both the individual and team events.

Rowing - Argentina won 4 golds to the Americans' 3.

Shooting - The U.S. proved the best team winning 11 of 16 events and placing in the medals in all but one. The silhouette and running deer targets continuously malfunctioned, affecting scores in those events.

Soccer - Argentina (5-1-0) won easily with Mexico (1-3-2) grabbing the silver and the Netherlands Antilles (2-0-4) the bronze. An ugly incident occurred at the end of a 3-3 tie between Venezuela and Mexico. The Referee, Prudencio Garcia, had to be escorted off the field by policemen after being attacked by outraged Venezuelans.

Men's Swimming - The U.S. won 6 of 8 events, including both relays. A total of 7 Pan-Am records were set.

Women's Swimming - The U.S. and Canada split the competition with 4 golds apiece. Wanda Lee Werner (USA) won 3 golds and 1 silver, while Beth Whittall (CAN) won 2 golds and 2 silvers. Heavy rains disrupted the events, held outdoors, on one afternoon.

Synchronized Swimming - The U.S. won the gold medal in all three events.

Tennis - Mexico dominated the Tennis events, with Gustavo Palafox winning his second Mixed Doubles title.

Men's Volleyball - The U.S. (5-0) won the gold, with Mexico (4-1) second, and Brazil (3-2) third.

Women's Volleyball - Mexico (6-0) finished first, followed by the U.S. (4-2) and Brazil (2-4).

Water Polo - Argentina (7-1) won, followed by the U.S. (6-2) and Brazil (5-3).

Weightlifting - The U.S. again pumped iron for 7 gold medals (out of 8) and a silver. 22 Pan-Am records were set.

Wrestling - The U.S., Argentina, and Mexico were the dominant powers, winning the lion's share of the medals.

Click Here for a complete list of 1955 Gold Medalists.

THE CLOSING CEREMONIES

The 2nd Pan American Games came to a close on 26 March in front of a crowd of 110,000. The Mexican team won the Prix des Nations after the USA was disqualified when 2 of its riders failed to complete the course.

After the parade of flagbearers, thousands of colorful balloons were released. and the flags of the competing nations were lowered. The Mexican Minister of Education, Jose Angel Ceniceros, declared the games closed: "The games have demonstrated that the Americans are as strong in the field of sports as in any other area of the world. As for Mexico, the Games brought us many helpful experiences in preparing for the various events and in receiving our good neighbors from throughout the hemisphere." He was followed by Manuel Guzman Willis, chairman of the Organizing Committee, who called upon the athletes to assemble in Cleveland in 1959. The band then played a special song in salute to Cleveland.

The Olympic and Pan American Games Flags were lowered and the Pan American Flame was extinguished. As the flame died, the spectators lit rolled-up newspapers and held them up.





THE HOST CITY At its meeting in Buenos Aires before the 1951 games, the Pan American Sports Committee (PASC) chose Mexico City as host for the 2nd Pan American Games. At a meeting in early 1955, PASC was renamed the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO). Douglas F. Roby, Vice-President of the USOC, was elected President for 1955-1959. Due to criticism from the IOC, PASO adopted its own logo and flag at this meeting. At a meeting before the 1955 games began, Cleveland was selected to host the 3rd Pan American Games in 1959.

THE OPENING CEREMONIES The 2nd Pan American Games opened on 12 March in the University Stadium (now Olympic Stadium) before a capacity crowd of 100,000 spectators. 2583 athletes from 22 nations marched in review and formed ranks upon the infield. The nations paraded into the stadium in Spanish alphabetical order: Argentina, Netherlands Antilles, Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chile, El Salvador, United States, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Domincian Republic, Trinidad, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Mexico. The Stars and Stripes were carried by Shot Putter Parry O'Brien. The hot sun, combined with the high altitude, caused two members of the U.S. team to collapse. Both quickly recovered. After the parade, the President of Mexico, Adolfo Ruiz Cortines spoke: "In the name of the fraternity and liberty and the peace which we share I hereby declare the second Pan American Games solemnly opened. The victories of our guests will be our own." 2000 doves were released into the air and the Pan American and Olympic Flags were raised. A Pan American Hymn was written by Armando Gonzalez was performed. The Flags of the 22 nations were raised one after the other as the band played the national anthems. When the Mexican National Anthem was played the 100,000 spectators lit rolled-up newspapers and sang in unison. As the anthems were played the flagbearers formed a semi-circle around the rostrum, where Mexican diver Joaquin Capilla took the oath on behalf of all the athletes. Finally, the Pan American Torch arrived. The torch was lit on La Estrella, where the Aztecs kept their sacred fires, and carried by a relay of Native Americans to the stadium. Eligio Galacia, Central American Games Champion in the 3000m Steeplechase, lit the Pan American Flame in the stadium. The ceremony came to an end with an elaborate dance by hundreds of native women.



		Parry O'Brien leads Team USA into the Opening Ceremony.

	THE COMPETITION Men's Athletics - Despite feats about the high altitude, there were few problems caused by the relative lack of oxygen. The U.S. was the dominent nations with 15 gold, 11 silver, and 5 bronze medals. In the process they broke 1 world and 15 Pan-Am records. Adhemar Ferreira Da Silva of Brazil won his 2nd consecutive Triple Jump gold. Olympic gold medalists Parry O'Brien won the Shot-Put and finished 2nd in the Discus. Argentina's Oswaldo Suarez won both the 5000m and 10,000m. Future Olympic gold medalist Rafer Johnson won the Decathlon title. Women's Athletics - The U.S. team won all 4 of the 7 events, including the relay. Pan-Am records were set in all but the 80m Hurdles. Baseball - The Dominican Republic (6-2) won the gold followed by the U.S. (5-3). Venezuela beat Mexico 8-2 in a playoff for the bronze. The U.S. was less than warmly received by the Mexican fans, sho occasionally pelted them with stones and trash. The Netherlands Antilles, despite beating Mexico 11-7. was notable for its futillity. They were outscored by their opponents 110-47, including a 27-6 drubbing at the hands of the U.S. Men's Basketball - The U.S. team was composed of AAU and Armed Forces players. The Americans, Argentines, and Brazilians finished in a three-way tie. Using goal differencial, the U.S. was awarded the gold, Argentina the silver, and Brazil the bronze. Women's Basketball - Held for the first time, the U.S. cruised to the gold medal. The set a free throw record in their first game, against Mexico, sinking all 17 attempts. Boxing - The U.S. won 7 medlas (3 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze). Argentina won 4 classes, as well as 2 silver and 1 bronze. The bours were held in the rundown Mexico Arena, as the intended venue was still under construction. Cycling - Equality was in evidence as each of the four events was won by athletes representing different nations. The major story was the 4000m Pursuit. In the bronze medal race, the U.S. was reduced to three riders due to the sudden illness of Alfred Stiller. Thus weakened, the U.S. lost by 10 seconds. Men's Diving - Joaquin Capilla of Mexico duplicated his 1951 performance by winning both events. The other 4 medals were won by Americans. Women's Diving - Pat McCormick (USA) won both events, bringing her career total to three golds. Equestrian - Mexico dominated the riding events with 3 of 4 golds, a silver, and a bronze. The Three-Day Event, in the thin air, proved brutal. So many teams were eliminated due to rider falls, errors, and penalties, that Mexico was the only team to finish the competition with a full team. Thus, Mexico was awarded the gold, while the silver and bronze went unclaimed. A U.S. rider, J.E.B. Wofford, was injured in a fall during the cross-country phase. Fencing - The U.S. and Argentina each won 3 events, while Mexico won one. Gymnastics - Oddly enough, the gymnastics events were held in a TV studio! The U.S. won 10 of 11 individual gold medals, and all 7 team golds. Francisco Jose Alvarez of Mexico was the lone exception, winning the Club Swinging gold. The Beckner brothers led the U.S., turning in phenominal performances. John won four individual golds, and Richard added 1 gold and 1 silver in individual events. Modern Pentathlon - Mexico reaped gold in both the individual and team events. Rowing - Argentina won 4 golds to the Americans' 3. Shooting - The U.S. proved the best team winning 11 of 16 events and placing in the medals in all but one. The silhouette and running deer targets continuously malfunctioned, affecting scores in those events. Soccer - Argentina (5-1-0) won easily with Mexico (1-3-2) grabbing the silver and the Netherlands Antilles (2-0-4) the bronze. An ugly incident occurred at the end of a 3-3 tie between Venezuela and Mexico. The Referee, Prudencio Garcia, had to be escorted off the field by policemen after being attacked by outraged Venezuelans. Men's Swimming - The U.S. won 6 of 8 events, including both relays. A total of 7 Pan-Am records were set. Women's Swimming - The U.S. and Canada split the competition with 4 golds apiece. Wanda Lee Werner (USA) won 3 golds and 1 silver, while Beth Whittall (CAN) won 2 golds and 2 silvers. Heavy rains disrupted the events, held outdoors, on one afternoon. Synchronized Swimming - The U.S. won the gold medal in all three events. Tennis - Mexico dominated the Tennis events, with Gustavo Palafox winning his second Mixed Doubles title. Men's Volleyball - The U.S. (5-0) won the gold, with Mexico (4-1) second, and Brazil (3-2) third. Women's Volleyball - Mexico (6-0) finished first, followed by the U.S. (4-2) and Brazil (2-4). Water Polo - Argentina (7-1) won, followed by the U.S. (6-2) and Brazil (5-3). Weightlifting - The U.S. again pumped iron for 7 gold medals (out of 8) and a silver. 22 Pan-Am records were set. Wrestling - The U.S., Argentina, and Mexico were the dominant powers, winning the lion's share of the medals. Click Here for a complete list of 1955 Gold Medalists.

	THE CLOSING CEREMONIES The 2nd Pan American Games came to a close on 26 March in front of a crowd of 110,000. The Mexican team won the Prix des Nations after the USA was disqualified when 2 of its riders failed to complete the course. After the parade of flagbearers, thousands of colorful balloons were released. and the flags of the competing nations were lowered. The Mexican Minister of Education, Jose Angel Ceniceros, declared the games closed: "The games have demonstrated that the Americans are as strong in the field of sports as in any other area of the world. As for Mexico, the Games brought us many helpful experiences in preparing for the various events and in receiving our good neighbors from throughout the hemisphere." He was followed by Manuel Guzman Willis, chairman of the Organizing Committee, who called upon the athletes to assemble in Cleveland in 1959. The band then played a special song in salute to Cleveland. The Olympic and Pan American Games Flags were lowered and the Pan American Flame was extinguished. As the flame died, the spectators lit rolled-up newspapers and held them up.