During the visit the 59-year-old Pizzaro, a former footballer played 53 times for the Chile national team as a midfielder, participated in a water skiing practical class given by Felipe Miranda, the overall 2015 Pan American champion and 2013 and 2017 world champion.

"We're in the vespers of amazing Games and you’ve been part of worldwide tournaments, Pan American and South American ones; so you do know the importance of participating as Chilean representatives in those events," Pizzaro said.

"This is a wonderful discipline that has achieved a lot of medals for our country."

Miranda added: “We’re full of pride that you come to see us here, a place where we’ve been writing a lot of pages for Chilean sport, with titles, and a lot of training hours.

“In case I classify this will be my last Pan American Games.”

Felipe was accompanied by his brother Rodrigo, the world junior champion, Daniela Kretschmer, national athletes Martín Labra and Matías González, and the Sub-17 Pan American champion, Trinidad Espinal.

Also present were the San Bernardo Mayor Christopher White, the President of the Chilean Olympic Committee Miguel Ángel Mujica and the President of the Nautical Skiing Federation Rubén Rosenberg.

"I would like to thank the Miranda family’s hospitality," White said. 

"I consider that you Minister set the bar high, and you have also motivated us."

Water skiing competitions at Santiago 2023 are due take place from October 21 to 24.