▲ The marathoner won her ticket to the Olympics on December 20 in Arizona with a time of 2: 26.34. Photo @CUFIDE_Edomex
Rosalía A. Villanueva
Journal La Jornada
Friday January 15, 2021, p. a11
What started as a hobby prompted Andrea Ramírez to step out of anonymity to become Mexico’s top marathoner, after qualifying for her first Olympic Games with the country’s third best record: 2: 26.34 a month ago in Arizona.
I’m looking for fame, not money, says the 28-year-old from the capital, who says her evolution is due to discipline and dedication. I run in peace, connected with my being and my heart.
Despite the uncertainty that prevails over the completion of the Japanese game due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the long-distance runner only has in his head that on August 7 in Sapporo I will be on the starting line and ready for anything. will accompany me. best effort, go all out and fight to the end.
His debut took place at the Tecnológico de Monterrey campus in Santa Fe before completing the degree in international business. He didn’t know anything about athletics and all he did in his spare time was walk around and around the track. A coach invited her to the team and told her she would be at the Olympics, you just have to believe in yourself, recalls the Mexican state representative.
He has competed in Conadeip, National Universiade, Mount Sac relay, track and road races; It was not very good, admits Andrea, who has seen famous and more experienced runners and said to himself: one day I will be like them.
He decided to find a top trainer and started talks with Jonathan Morales, who initially refused because he didn’t work with women. Andrea’s insistence was such that she convinced him and the results began to show.
His first marathon was won with three hours in Thailand 2018, then he ran that of Houston (2: 32.40) in early 2020 without setting the Olympic mark (2: 29.30), when the match was postponed. summer or the cancellation of powers due to the global health crisis.
She admits that the pandemic has benefited her with the postponement of the game, which has been moved to this year, because before she was called to join the women’s team which finished in fifth place in the world half marathon in Poland and that she knew she was close to the goal he set with his coach to be in Tokyo. The day has arrived at the Project Chandler Arizona Marathon on December 20th. Andrea clocked 2: 26.34 and was sixth. “My brand is not the result of chance or fate, nor am I a spark. Those who know me know my progress. I never had reflectors, no one saw me. Not having that pressure like Úrsula (Sánchez), Brenda (Flores), Risper (Biyaki), setting the mark or thinking about the next marathon, helped me a lot.
Everything is new to me, I am very happy. I didn’t think it was going to come so quickly. My trainer, my work team and I are very satisfied and we are lucky, recognizes the marathon runner who lives in Toluca with her husband.
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