Juan Maegli '07, who graduated from the Abbey in May, has won a gold medal in sailing at the just-completed 2007 Pan-American Games, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Juan represented Guatemala as he captured first-place honors in the Hobie Cat 16 class. His crew was Cristina Guirola, also from Guatemala.
Juan was among eight entries from eight countries competing in the class, which included another Abbey alum, Bob Merrick '89, who placed fourth in the event and represented the USA.
In an email to Ms. Nancy Brzys, Juan's Abbey advisor, the President of the Guatemalan National Sailing Team, Bobby Rogers, said of Juan's winning performance: "Juan's strength of character really showed through while under pressure during this competition. His achievement in part is attributable to Portsmouth Abbey School that supported him when he needed it.
"On behalf of the Guatemalan National Sailing Association, we thank you."
Juan was a stalwart of the Ravens' sailing team while at the Abbey. The Ravens finished 7-6 this year and fell just short of qualifying for the Nationals. Juan will attend Santa Clara University in California in the fall and will train to represent Guatemala in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Bejing, China.
Congratulations, Juan!
