Michael Green, 41-year-old racquetball player, knows how to play hurt

At 41-years-old, Canadian Michael Green is the oldest racquetball athlete in the Pan Am singles competition.

The Burlington native has won more Canadian men's titles than any other player, however, on Sunday he had to take a cortisone shot and wait until his knee felt better before knowing if he could compete.

Green, frustrated with his play Tuesday in a close tiebreak loss to Colombian Alejandro Herrera, explains he has not had enough practice time on court.

"For me, I think it's the lack of repetitions, lack of play coming out this week," said Green. "I am not relaxed, because I am not prepared it's just the way it is."

With great past success on court, Green can leave the sport at any time; however, he still continues to persevere through the pain.

"I realize that you're only young once," said Green. "When I am 80, I won't be able to play, so the things that I can't do when I am 80, I will do them now."

Green attributes his recent accomplishments in racquetball to his coach, Sue Swaine.

"Sue has been a big part of the resurgence in my career; I fell back in love with the game the last five to six years, like I was a kid again."

38-year-old leads women's team

Another veteran Canadian, Jen Saunders played on Tuesday beating 20-year-old Venezuelan Mariana Tobon in the tiebreak.

At 38, Saunders is competing in her 3rd Pan Ams and explains the emotions running through her head.

"This is by the far the best Pan Am Games I have been to, it feels like an Olympics to me and not a Pan Am Games, so it's been just an amazing week so far."

Similar to Green, Saunders has been asked the question of what motivates her to continue pushing through and play racquetball.

"My inspiration day to day is to bring my best effort, play my best racquetball every day and be proud of myself," said the current Canadian doubles champion.

"I am also playing for a friend who passed away of breast cancer in March, so she is always in the back of my mind, just to honour her spirit with my love of racquetball."

A big win on Tuesday was No. 4 in the world Canadian Frederic Lambert, who beat out No. 2 Argentinian Maria J. Vargas.

The 23-year-old did not shy away from letting it be known that she needs continue her aggressive game style in order for her future goals to become a reality.

"I want to bring back the gold here, so if I want to bring back the gold, I have to play 120 per cent all the time."