Mariana pajón began 2012 just like she ended 2011, with wins and points that get her closer to the Olympic Games and the number one world BMX ranking.  The native of Antioquia won the Gator nationals North American Championships that took place in western-central Florida and took over number two in the world.

"Tata", as she is nicknamed, decided to enter the competition due to the importance as far as points for the world ranking, and thanks to the victory, Mariana aquired 90 more points and took the second place in the world, only behind American Brooke Crain, who finished in the podium at every competition she entered. 

In the semifinals, Pajón left behind riders such as Dutchwoman Merle Van Benthem, American Arielle Martin and Australian Caroline Buchanan, from who she also took the second spot on the world ranking.  In the final, the Colombian overcame the before mentioned Crain, who continued with her streak of podiums, and Alise Post, also from the United States.  

It is a great start for Mariana as she begins the final strech of preparation and competition for the most important date of her career; the London Olympics, where she will try to become just the second Colombian to win a gold medal in history, and the second to win any medal in BMX, after Andrés Jiménez won bronze in 2010.