Mexico opened the diving competition in emphatic fashion Wednesday, picking up both gold medals on offer in the men's synchronized 3-meter springboard and women's 10-meter platform, which was won by Olympic medallist Paola Espinoza, who lit the flame in the opening ceremony.  The victories inched Mexico's 86-medal tally above Canada (83), although the Canadian delegation has one more gold (23-22).

While the local media attention centered on Mexican success in the diving pool, it was another good day for U.S athletes. Bridgette Caquatto won the women's individual all-round gymnastics title and in the fencing arena Kelly Hurley beat sister Courtney Hurley in the women's individual epee.

In the athletics stadium, Kibwe Johnson set a new Pan American record in the hammer throw and Yvette Lewis romped home in the women's 110 meters hurdles.

Canada's two golds on day 12 came in the women's K4 500 meters canoeing final and in fencing, thanks to Phillipe Beaudry in the men's individual sabre.

In other events, Cuba and Colombia pocketed four golds each and Brazil three.  Brazil and Cuba are second and third in the gold medal race (33-30), with the United States leading the standings with 70 golds. Colombia and Argentina have 18 each.