Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (October 25, 2011) - According to the 2011 Pan American Games' official website, Juan Luis Barrios won the 5000 meter race on Monday, giving the Mexican delegation its 18th gold medal.

Barrios' time of 14:13.77, was a little more than one second under the Pan American record set by American Ed Moran in Rio de Janeiro. Second and third place went to Ecuadorian Efren Piedra and Joilson Silva, de Brazil.

Mexico's Juan Carlos Romero came within two tenths of a second of winning the bronze, finishing after Joilson to Silva. The National Sports Commission (Conade) congratulated Juan Luis Barrios, who had already been triumphant in the Cartagena regional games in 2006, when he won the gold in the 1500 meter race.

On Monday, Mexican athlete Marisol Romero became the Pan American champion in the 10,000 meter race, giving Mexico its 17th gold medal. Cruz da Silva from Brazil took the silver, and Yolanda Beatriz Caballero of Colombia won the bronze. Romero took a lap around the track carrying the flag of Mexico, amidst thunderous applause.

Mexico continued to reap medals on Monday. Natalie Peñuñuri taking a bronze medal in weight lifting after totaling 188 kilograms in the 53 kilo female category. The Mexican athlete finished behind Yuderquis Contreras of the Dominican Republic, who with 206 kilos was awarded first place, while the silver went to the Venezuelan Henrriquez Inmar, who finished with 189 kilos.

Last Sunday, the Mexican athletes won three silver medals and three bronze medals in athletics, skiing, weight lifting and sailing.

So far, Mexico has a total of 57 medals and ranks fifth in the number of medals won.

Translated for BanderasNews by Kathleen Harris.

Update: As of today, October 27, 2011, Mexico has earned a total of 101 medals, 27 gold, 29 silver and 45 bronze, and ranks fourth in the number of medals won. To keep up with all of the 2011 Pan American Games results, visit the official website. Fans can also stay connected through the Pan American Games facebook page.