After a brief period of rest, Mariana returned to the track in her country's capital to once again take the gold in the Elite category Latinamerican championships.  The young Colombian comfortably overcame her competitors and reached the top step on the podium, which Colombia also accomplished in the men's category.

Competition began at 9 AM on a sunny day in Colombia's capital, and over 400 athletes were present to sign up for the challenger an elite series.  Colombia was able to dominate from beginning to end, winding up with two golds, two silvers, and one bronze.  Its closest competitor was Argentina with one first place and one second.  

After the race, a very happy Mariana said: "It's very nice to race in my country, and even better when I can get a perfect gold race".  

On top of the excitement of another first place finish this year, the race also gave out points for the 2012 Olympics.  The Colombian now inches closer to the top of the world rankings and Colombia is all but qualified for the top sports competition in the world, which will be celebrated in London 8 months from now. 

Mariana will now wait for the December 7th celebration of Colombia's athlete of the year, for which she is nominated.