As Mexico got off to a golden start in the Pan American athletics competition Monday, with victories in the women's 10,000 meters and men's 5,000 meters finals, two of the games' less heralded sports made their debuts: bowling and roller sports.

Finished only days before the games started, the Telmex athletics stadium lived up to expectations and provided an appropriate setting for some unabashed patriotism.

Juan Luis Barrios (5,000 meters gold) and Marisol Romero (10,000 meters) increased Mexico's gold medal total to 18 – putting the host nation well on course to meet the target of 24 set prior to the games by sports authorities.

The U.S. juggernaut rolled on in other sports, with the gymnastics team winning gold ahead of Canada and Brazil, and fencers Lee Keifer and Weston Kelsey taking the honors in the women’s individual foil and men's individual epée.

The United States also dominated in the wrestling arena, with 2011 world champion Jordan Burroughs winning gold in the 74-kilogram category and 2011 world bronze medalist Jake Varner at 96 kilograms.

It wasn't all plain sailing for the United States though. The remaining four U.S. boxers failed to make the semifinals in the Expo Guadalajara boxing ring, and the women's basketball team also disappointed, finishing seventh in the eight-team competition.

The U.S. baseball team, however, advanced to its fourth straight Pan American gold medal game thanks to a close-fought 12-10 victory over Cuba, winners of the last three finals.

Tuesday's final against Canada – victorious against Mexico in the other semi final – will mark the first time since the 1959 Pan American Games that Cuba will not play for gold.

Monday also saw the start of the bowling and roller sports competitons.  The United States is well positioned to win both gold medals after the opening round in the bowling doubles event at the Bolerama Tapatia. The artistic roller skating women's competition in the Parque Revolution skating stadium was won by Elizabath Soler of Argentina, while Marcel Sturmer of Brazil triumphed on the men's side.

As expected, South America dominated in the men's handball event, with Argentina defeating Brazil in Monday's final.

Canada missed out on gold medals Monday, ending the day with two silvers and three bronzes.