Río – 2007 a success.  Weather conditions were less than ideal throughout the six full days of competition, but performances were outstanding as Cuba scampered to 12 gold medals and a total of 32 overall, surpassing host Brazil whose athletes were superb in winning nine events and scoring 23 visits to the podium.  USA and Canada each won six events but the USA edged out their northern neighbor as it garnered 12 silvers and 6 bronzers for a total of 27 while Canada could only muster six additional medals.

Championship records were set in six men’s and seven women’s events.

A record total of 658 athletes, representing 41 Members took part, far surpassing the average number of 500 that had been present at the previous three Games, largely responding to the generous offer of free air fares for all participants made by the host country.

Nevertheless, top athletes from the USA, Jamaica, Trinidad, Bahamas and others failed to turn up to represent their country’s colors, supposedly lured by the earnings to be made on the lucrative European circuit.  On the other hand, the Cuban and Brazilian teams fielded all their premiere athletes, which greatly contributed to the lustre of the Games and their overwhelming success in the medals count.