Camila Pirelli, known as the Guaraní Panther, is an icon of Paraguayan sports. Recognised internationally for her numerous achievements, she is a decorated athlete who has left her mark. After years of representing Paraguay in various sports, but especially on the track as a heptathlete, Pirelli announced her official retirement in December 2024.
With two decades of high-performance competitions, national records, and both international and national medals, the Guaraní Panther is now channeling her rich experience into a new path. Building on her enduring on-track legacy, she is now bringing her expertise to her new role as an Ambassador of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee.
On 10 October 2025, Paraguay’s capital Asunción made history by being selected to host the 2031 Pan American Games. Pirelli, alongside the committee, attended the Extraordinary General Assembly of Panam Sports in Santiago, Chile, to witness the official announcement. She shares her joy about this historic achievement with The Asunción Times.
A decorated athletic career
Throughout the years, Camila Pirelli participated in a variety of sports, including basketball, handball, tennis, figure skating, and swimming. Although she demonstrated athletic ability in all of them, she never truly found her calling until she discovered athletics. In 2006, at just 17 years old, Camila’s athletic path became clear when she won her first international gold medal.
“The South American gold medal in 2006 was a turning point,” she shares. “I had tried different sports without feeling comfortable in any of them, and that victory showed me that heptathlon was my path. It was the beginning of everything.”
From there, Pirelli continued to accumulate national and international medals and records:
- 4 medals at the South American Games;
- 3 medals at the Bolivarian Games;
- 3 medals at the Ibero-American Championships;
- 4-time Pan American Games finalist;
- Multiple-time national champion;
- Participation in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The most significant moments
While all her achievements reflect hard work, resilience, and pride, there are two moments that Camila Pirelli will always cherish among her favourites in her athletic career. The first was the 2019 Pan American Games, a crucial turning point for Camila. At 30 years old, and with thoughts of retirement crossing her mind, she faced the competition without high expectations.
“I arrived at the Pan American Games in Lima without many expectations, just happy to be able to compete pain-free after such a long time. And although I did not win a medal, setting a new national record in heptathlon at that age was an enormous achievement for me. It gave me clarity and helped me make better decisions about my future.”
The other moment that the Guaraní Panther recognises as one of the most significant was the South American Games Asunción 2022 (ODESUR Games ASU2022).
“ASU2022 was a dream come true,” Pirelli reflects. “After 18 years representing Paraguay abroad, I finally had the opportunity to compete at home, on such a grand and historic stage. That year was special, with great results, and also the perfect ending to my career; finishing while enjoying myself, surrounded by my people, and feeling grateful for everything I had lived.”
Camila Pirelli’s retirement
Pirelli’s decision to retire from high-performance athletics was not sudden. Retirement had been on her mind ever since she turned 30. Considering her age and the demands of the heptathlon, she began to realise that recovering from injuries and heavy training was becoming increasingly difficult.
“At that time, I also started to look beyond the physical: I wanted to make sure that if I continued competing at a high level, it was because I was truly motivated and not out of obligation. It took me almost five years to reach that decision.”
By 2024, she realised that her motivation to compete at that level was no longer the same. Her focus had shifted to other life projects, and her performance was not what she had hoped for. She understood it was time to change course and begin working towards a different legacy.
“The only thing I needed was a clear sign, and that came after knee surgery: I was told I no longer had an inner meniscus or cartilage. In that moment, I understood it was enough. I said to myself, ‘my time in high-performance sport is over,” Pirelli recalls. “And I did it in peace, knowing it was not an end, but the beginning of a new stage where I can give back everything that sport has given me.”
Roaring in a new role
Although retired, Camila remains deeply connected to the world she knows as home. In May 2025, she joined the team preparing Paraguay’s bid for the 2031 Pan American Games. She assumed the role of Ambassador for the Paraguayan Olympic Committee.
“My main task was to accompany the presidents of the National Olympic Committees closely, offering support and being available for anything they might need. Beyond the organisational side, it was also about showing the world the hospitality and warmth of the Paraguayan people, conveying the approachable and friendly nature that characterises our culture.”
As an experienced sportswoman, Camila Pirelli intuitively understood the value of her presence for young athletes. Beyond her official duties, she seized the opportunity to support them directly. Pirelli acted as a mentor and a voice to highlight everything that goes on behind the scenes in sport.
“I did not do it because I was asked, but because I knew how important my presence was for the younger athletes, whether cheering from the stands, accompanying them during competitions, or sharing tips when they asked.”
Presence in ASU2025 Junior Pan American Games
In August 2025, Asunción hosted the Junior Pan American Games for the first time in history. As an Ambassador, Pirelli was present at every corner of the Games. She brought energy and positivity to the athletes and shared her experience as a valuable resource.
“What I loved most was feeling that, through my experience, I could help the athletes reach their full potential. Many applied advice that had worked for me in the past, and seeing it succeed for them made me feel part of that medal or achievement.”
Pirelli shared every emotion with the competing athletes: the nerves, anxiety, preparation, and expectations. “I was there for those who did not get the result they hoped for, offering advice from my own experiences in similar situations. I had not planned it, but I think I did it well: I managed to support them genuinely, understanding what they were going through because I have been in the same position myself.”
Months after the Games, Camila Pirelli holds ASU2025 close to her heart. “This experience filled me with deep gratitude and pride. It reminded me that, even though I no longer compete, I am still leaving a mark on Paraguayan sport, and my legacy continues through every athlete who comes after me.”
The upcoming 2031 Pan American Games
On 10 October, Paraguay’s capital, Asunción, made history by being selected to host the 2031 Pan American Games. Pirelli, alongside the committee, attended the Extraordinary General Assembly of Panam Sports in Santiago, Chile, to witness the official announcement.
When it was revealed that Asunción had received the most votes and would be the host city, the atmosphere was filled with pride and excitement. “At first, we were screaming, and then I was just sitting there, not believing it. I saw somebody crying, and it made me cry as well.”
A showcase to the world
With years of experience, she shares that what Paraguay is achieving today is something athletes from 10 or 15 years ago could not even have dreamed of. “The Pan American Games are enormous. Having them in Paraguay is a dream. It is a showcase for the world to see what we are made of, the passion we put in, and the talent we have.”
“Paraguay is capable of organising major Games. And clearly, ASU2025 was where we demonstrated that, treating the guests like royalty, which is what we do here in Paraguay,” Pirelli emphasises. “We made sure they experienced the Paraguayan essence, especially how we welcome our guests.”
You can follow Camila Pirelli on Instagram.
