Pan: Scheffer, Stefani to be Brazil's flag bearers at opening ceremony

Swimmer Fernando Scheffer and tennis player Luisa Stefani, both Olympic medalists in Tokyo, have been chosen as the flag bearers for the Brazilian delegation at the opening of the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. The announcement was made by the Brazilian Olympic Committee. The opening ceremony is set to take place on Friday (Oct. 20), at Chile's National Stadium.

This continental competition will grant 100 direct spots in 21 different sports for the Paris Olympics next year.

On her Instagram account, Stefani expressed her deep honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of carrying the national symbol at the Pan's opening ceremony. She achieved an unprecedented milestone for Brazil in Tokyo by winning a bronze medal in the doubles alongside her fellow Brazilian Laura Pigossi.

"I was thrilled and extremely delighted by this invitation. Being a part of Team Brazil and carrying our flag alongside many athletes who have been my inspiration since childhood is a great honor. I hope to fulfill this mission with great success," shared the 26-year-old tennis player.

Scheffer also took to social media to share his excitement about leading the national delegation at the Pan's opening. As an Olympic bronze medalist in the 200-meter freestyle event in Tokyo, he already possesses two gold medals and a silver from the previous Pan Games in Lima, Peru.

Team Brazil is represented by 622 athletes and 11 reserves, along with 1,020 members of the technical commissions, confederation officials, and the Brazilian Olympic Committee itself.

Boxing stands out as the individual sport in the Pan Games that offers the most Olympic qualification spots for Paris 2024, with a total of 30 positions available.