Catharine Pendrel is excited to represent Canada on home soil

This Pan Am Games may not be the biggest event Catharine Pendrel has competed in, but it just may end up being one of her favourites.

Pendrel has competed in mountain biking in two Olympics Games. She also won the first gold medal of the 2007 Pan Am Games in Rio.

But the fact that she will be competing on Canadian soil makes these games special.

"In terms of competition, perhaps it's not as high as some of the others, however in terms of the experience of being able to compete at a games in my own country, it's going to be up there," said Pendrel.

Pendrel was born in Frederictonand grew up in Harvey Station, N.B.That's where she developed her love for mountain biking.

Pendrel just got back from a competition in Switzerlandand will now be competing at the Pan Am Games in Toronto.

Each course is different and brings its own challenges, which is part of the reason she said she enjoys mountain bike racing.

"There's so much variety. It challenges you in so many waysand it's always about figuring out how to get the best out of yourself on the day on the courseand against the field of competition," said Pendrel.

Pendrel had a good idea she would be competing at the Pan Am Games a few months ago.

She says usually Canada would use the Pan Am Games to help develop some younger athletes, but being in Canada makes it different.

"I knew that the Canadian Olympic Committee wanted to send our top athletes to these games because it's an opportunity to showcase Canada's talent ahead of Rio next summer," said Pendrel.

Pendrelsaid shefeels that she is one of the favourites to medal, along with her Canadian teammate Emily Batty.

Pendrel competes on Sunday, where she will have a chance to win her second Pan Am gold medal.