Alejandra Ortega celebrates winning gold in the athletics march at the Central American Games. Arnulfo Franco (AP)
Mexicans remind themselves from time to time that they can eat the whole world. It was difficult for them to excel in sports, from the offices they had to face many obstacles. Contempt, corruption, disinterest or incompetence. All of these ingredients have weighed on athletes for decades, and the big wins at the Olympics are therefore minimal. But there is always a breaking point.
Mexico won the Central American and Caribbean Games medal table for the second year in a row, the twelfth time since this competition was founded in 1926. In San Salvador, the Mexican delegation achieved an unprecedented number of gold medals: 145. The five gold medals won by artistic swimming professionals . In this aquatic relay, Nuria Diosdado was the leader, winning 18 gold medals in five editions of the competition, becoming the first woman to set this record.
Alexa Moreno won three golds (including as a team with the rest of the prominent gymnasts), a silver, and a bronze in a year of recovery. There was also glory among the men’s and women’s archery teams. The Mexicans even won men’s and women’s soccer tournaments. In the case of the women’s triathlon, it was a tournament where they showed their strength despite not qualifying for the world championships. In diving, another of his favorite sports, Diego Balleza won two gold medals and one bronze medal.
In addition, Mexico received 108 silver and 100 bronze medals. Behind them were the delegations of Colombia, Cuba and Venezuela. But are the Central Americans a good parameter? The Olympic cycle in Latin America begins with the regional championships, the Central American Games, the Pan American Games (where the United States, Brazil and Canada compete), the world tournaments of each sport, and finally the Olympic Games. It’s a long way that helps them arrive with good momentum. For example, competitions held in El Salvador have helped some athletes make their debut at an international tournament, others to find their rhythm, and veteran athletes to expand their curriculum.
Some statements by Ana Guevara, Mexico’s head of sport, made the athletes uneasy. The former athlete assured that there is “no obligation to win” with the Central Americans [por parte del Gobierno]. There are some disciplines that grant tickets to the Pan American Games, and the rest is an empty competition for some.” A month ago, the Conade’s commissioner launched a war against the artistic swimming team, which had to seek private support due to a lack of public funds.
A shattered swimming federation has forced the Mexican government to cut resources for all of its athletes, who have had to publicly solicit brand endorsements, hold raffles for their cars, open OnlyFans accounts, or call on tycoon Carlos Slim for help. Guevara broke away from the Central Americans as soon as competitions started. “Toxic air created by others [deportistas], as a result of bad habits, are productivity killers. “In this country we can be protagonists of the world,” said Guevara at the pre-competition flag-waving ceremony.
AMDEP5693. SANTO DOMINGO (DOMINICAN REPUBLIC), 29.06.2023.- Paola Longoria (I) and Eduardo Portillo of Mexico pose with a gold medal on the podium today in the mixed doubles racquetball competition at Sunday’s Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo (Dominican Republic). EFE / Francesco Spotorno Francesco Spotorno (EFE)
The Mexicans once again show their faces for Mexican sport
71 of the 145 gold medals were won by women in the Central Americans. That’s no surprise, it’s a pleasant custom in Mexican sports. In the last 20 years, Mexican women have won 18 medals at the Olympic Games, compared to 13 for men. Nuria Diosdado, with her 18 gold medals in her showcase, was the main face. Also a trident of generation in archery, composed of Aída Román, Alejandra Valencia and Ángela Ruiz, gold in teams.
In the pentathlon, Mayan Oliver was the queen of the competition. And speaking of hegemony, Paola Longoria’s was crowned with two gold medals in racquetball. Another great reality is weightlifting Janeth Gómez, who became world champion ahead of the Central Americans at the Havana Grand Prix. In San Salvador he was just a few kilos short of winning gold, but he still had two silver medals. The track cycling women’s team was happy about the first places of Daniela Gaxiola, Yuli Verdugo and Jessica Salazar. And the walk test, one of the Mexicans’ favorites, was left by Alejandra Ortega.
The road to Paris 2024 started with great sensations for Mexico.
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