Only a handful of athletes specialized in sprint athletics have stood out in Mexico. A few names that, despite the lag in this discipline, have managed to make their way to countries whose prominence makes them world powers.
They can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Ana Guevara in 400 meters, Juan Pedro Toledo (200), Alejandro Cárdenas (400) and, in recent years, Paola Morán and Cecilia Tamayo, among others, represent the limited participation of our country on an international scale.
Although the specialty has achieved some important achievements such as reaching the podium at the Pan American Games, the possibility of winning a world or Olympic medal again still seems like a utopia.
We are not stagnant, the discipline has developed a lot in recent years, but the truth is that our level is still low to compete with the great powers
recognizes Tamayo, who represented our country in the 100 and 200 meter events during the recent Paris Olympic Games.
The work must be redoubled with the support of the authorities, it is a team effort.
Unlike countries like the United States, Bahamas and Jamaica, Mexico lacks the cutting-edge technology necessary to develop sprinters. But it is not only a matter of lag in this matter, the discipline in our country does not even have enough coaches to direct the talents in training.
In world competitions, runners can be observed using sophisticated devices that allow them to know variations in heart rate, energy expenditure, and blood lactic acid levels, among other records that help them improve their performance in a very specific way.
Tamayo’s reality is different from that of the runners who prepare in Mexico. She has been training for nine years in Houston under the watchful eye of an athletics legend, Carl Lewis, known as the son of the windwinner of 10 Olympic medals. The athlete who shone in Los Angeles 1984 and Barcelona 1992 is responsible for the development program to which the tricolor runner, who was born in 1997, in León, Guanajuato, belongs.
More investment
We require support from the authorities because many times we have to get the budget out of our own pockets. Competing abroad requires an investment, but it is worth it because you face the best in your event.
Cecilia added.
For this reason, the few achievements in speed among the elite stand out as exceptional. Ana Guevara was the first and paralyzed the country at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, where she won a silver medal. That was an event because a Mexican had never attended a summer date as a favorite in this type of test. Before, in the 1999 World Cup in Seville, Alejandro Cárdenas achieved third place. They represent the best results in speed that Mexico has.
Everything takes a process, it’s not about thinking about crossing in first place or the medals. In my case, I like to watch my times and know that if I achieve my personal best, it will help me achieve my goals.
Tamayo explained.
As a sprinter you have to know that you not only compete against your rivals, but also against yourself.
Recently, Luis Avilés won a historic silver medal in the 400 meters at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago and the men’s 4×400 relay was very close to earning his ticket to the Paris Olympics.
I was fortunate enough to be responsible for my country returning to the Games after many years (more than half a century, since there had been no participation since Mexico 1968) we must not lose that inertia in the face of Los Angeles 2028. I think it is possible achieve new and more ambitious goals. But this will not happen overnight, everything takes time.
One of the great challenges is to have a good network of scouts that detect talent in time, when the runners are still children so that they can develop according to the most current methodologies. An important reference could be Jamaica, which holds the Boys & Girls Champs youth championship every year, where possible future stars emerge.
I am sure that there is a lot of talent throughout the country, but it is necessary that there be discovery and monitoring of those with the greatest powers
Tamayo pointed out.
The Mexican, who was in the preliminary phases in the 100 and 200 meter dash in Paris, will continue her preparation with Carl Lewis.
The goal now is to qualify for the 2025 World Cup and climb one more step. The plan is to stay with Carl and learn a lot more to beat my own times
the young runner concluded optimistically.
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#Lack #coaches #technology #sprinters
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Interviewer: Paola, considering your international experiences, how do you think exposure to different coaching styles can benefit Mexican sprinters?
Nded questions to elicit thoughtful responses from the guests about each topic. Here’s an example of how the interview could be structured:
Thematic Section 1: Current State of Sprinting in Mexico
Interviewer: In your opinion, what are the main challenges Mexico faces in developing top-level sprinters?
Cecilia Tamayo: One of the biggest challenges is the lack of cutting-edge technology and coaches. Many of us have to fund our own training, which means we miss out on important resources that our competitors from other countries have. Additionally, there isn’t a strong network of scouts to identify young talent early on.
Paola Moran: I agree with Cecilia. We also need more investment from the authorities to support our training. We are not a country with a strong tradition in sprinting, so it’s essential that we receive financial backing to compete with the powerhouses like the US and Jamaica.
Thematic Section 2: Importance of Early Detection and Development
Interviewer: Jamaica is known for discovering and nurturing young sprinters through their annual Boys & Girls Champs competition. How important do you think it is for Mexico to create a similar program?
Cecilia Tamayo: I believe it’s crucial. By identifying and monitoring talented athletes early on, we can implement the most current methodologies to develop their skills and give them the best chance for success. It’s all about giving our athletes the tools they need to thrive.
Paola Moran: Absolutely. Finding these young athletes and providing them with the resources to reach their full potential is key. It’s not just about having the necessary facilities, but also about having qualified coaches who can guide them through the process.
Thematic Section 3: Role of International Training and Coaches
Interviewer: Cecilia, you’ve had the opportunity to train under Carl Lewis, a legendary sprinter. How has his guidance impacted your career?
Cecilia Tamayo: It’s been an incredible experience. Working with someone of his caliber has given me access to the best training methods and technology. He has helped me improve my times and taught me to compete against myself. I’m grateful
