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Cecilia Lee, double world champion in taekwondo poomsae, is set to compete at the Hong Kong 2024 World Championship, aiming for medals in individual and pair freestyle. The world champion from Taipei 2018 and Goyang 2022, Seo Hyun Cecilia Lee Kim, has arrived in China to participate in the Taekwondo Poomsae World Championship, which will take place from November 30 to December 4. Her goal: to secure a spot on the podium once again.      “I’m very excited because this is my fourth World Championship, and I’ve medaled in all the previous ones. I hope to bring home another. In the last World Championship in Goyang, I won gold with my partner William Arroyo, bringing my tally to two golds and three bronzes,” the athlete from Nuevo León shared in an interview with the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sports (CONADE).  In Taipei 2018, Cecilia won the gold medal in freestyle individual under-17, as well as two bronzes: one in recognized poomsae individual cadet category and another in mixed freestyle pair alongside William Arroyo. In Goyang 2022, she took gold in freestyle pair over-17, also with William de Jesús Arroyo Reyes.      Also of interest: Vaslav Ayala aims for the podium at the Hong Kong 2024 Taekwondo Poomsae World Championship  “In this World Championship, I will compete in two events: freestyle individual and freestyle pair. My expectation is mainly to enjoy the championship, showcase what Mexico has to offer, and hopefully achieve a great result,” said the gold and bronze medalist from the recent Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.  Before traveling to Asia, the Nuevo León athlete completed her training at the National Center for Talent Development and High Performance (CNAR) of CONADE, training alongside the national team, composed of 52 athletes.  “The CNAR facilities are of excellent quality, which helps us prepare better for this World Championship,” said the taekwondo practitioner.      Cecilia began her journey in taekwondo inspired by her father, Kang Young Lee, a national taekwondo poomsae coach.  “Taekwondo represents my entire life since I’ve practiced this sport from a young age, and my coach is also my father. My mantra is that even if we’re scared, all it takes is enduring one second to achieve whatever you want,” she concluded.

Vaslav Ayala Talavera, a Mexican taekwondo athlete and world medalist, is competing in his seventh World Taekwondo Poomsae Championship in China. He aims to bring his experience to the team in his final participation in this category.   Ayala, who has won gold and silver medals at the World Championships, has already arrived in China to compete in the 2024 Hong Kong Poomsae World Championship, taking place from November 30 to December 4. This will be his seventh appearance at a World Championship event in this discipline.      “I’m competing in the under-30 team event. This is my seventh World Championship, and I’m excited because I see a team working with great interest. There are many young athletes with inspiration and motivation to reach the top in this World Championship,” shared the capital-based taekwondo athlete with the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sports (CONADE).  Ayala, who won the mixed pair title alongside Veracruz’s Ollin Medina and secured the individual runner-up position at the Aguascalientes 2014 World Championship, stated that his experience will be a valuable contribution to the national team.  Also of interest: William Arroyo to compete at the Hong Kong 2024 Poomsae World Championship   “I want to take advantage of these moments to support the younger categories—cadets, juniors, and even my own category. If I have advice or any experience I can share, I want to contribute. There’s a 10-year age difference between the youngest competitor in my category and me, so I want to make the most of my experiences, especially since this is my last year in this category. I want to help others with whatever they need in their journey,” emphasized the taekwondo athlete from Mexico City.      Throughout his distinguished career, Vaslav Ayala has earned gold, silver, and bronze medals at the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla, along with a silver medal at the 2015 Summer Universiade in Gwangju, among other significant achievements.  “Taekwondo has shaped my personality for much of my life. It has changed me in many ways. I was once an insecure person when making decisions, but now I’m very confident,” he reflected.  Finally, he advised young athletes: “Work hard for what you want, but more than hard, work with intensity and intelligence. I believe one quality that defines me is courage—necessary to overcome fears, defeat challenges, and achieve the goals we set for ourselves.”

The Mexican government held the 2024 National Sports Award ceremony at the majestic National Palace. The event, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, honored the most outstanding figures in seven sports categories, marking a milestone for the country’s athletes and coaches. RECOGNITION AND AWARDS This year, the highest sports distinction in the country included a diploma signed by the President, a 0.900 gold medal, and a monetary prize of 796,050 pesos. A total of 14 awards were given across various disciplines, including professional sports, Paralympic sports, and lifetime achievements. Non-professional sports Among the honorees were the Paris 2024 Olympic medalists: Osmar Olvera Ibarra: Silver in synchronized diving and bronze in individual. Juan Manuel Celaya Hernández: Silver in synchronized diving. Prisca Awiti Alcaraz: Silver in judo (-63 kg). Marco Verde Álvarez: Silver in boxing (71 kg). Professional sports Charlyn Corral, forward for Club de Fútbol Pachuca, was recognized for her extraordinary season with 18 goals, solidifying her status as one of the best Mexican soccer players. Paralympic sports Paralympic champions were also awarded: Gloria Zarza Guadarrama: Gold in shot put F54. Juan Pablo Cervantes García: Gold in 100 meters T54. HONORING COACHES AND OFFICIALS In the coaching category, the following stood out: Iván Rodríguez Lunaand Martín Velasco Soria, for their work in para athletics. Radamés Hernández Cázares, for his guidance in achieving Olympic medals. Additionally, Katia García Mendoza was recognized as the second woman to referee a Liga MX match, breaking barriers in sports officiating. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AND SPORTS PROMOTION The lifetime achievement category honored: Alejandra Orozco Loza, Olympic medalist in diving. Daniel Aceves Villagrán, a medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling and a promoter of Mexican sports. The Harp Helú Foundation, led by Alfredo Harp Helú, was awarded for its efforts in fostering and protecting sports in Mexico. COMMITMENT TO SPORTS The director of CONADE, Rommel Pacheco Marrufo, highlighted the effort and sacrifice of the athletes, calling the National Sports Award “the most important recognition for any athlete in Mexico.” He emphasized his commitment to providing future generations with better conditions for sports development. “The President’s most important directive has been to ensure that every child and young person has the tools necessary to develop their talent and reach their full potential,” Pacheco stated. WORDS FROM THE HONOREES Diver Osmar Olvera Ibarra, speaking on behalf of the athletes, expressed his excitement for this recognition, calling it another dream come true after his success in Paris 2024. “This award reflects not just our effort but also the support we’ve received. Thanks to the authorities, today we know we’ll never be alone,” Olvera said. Meanwhile, Paralympic medalist Gloria Zarza Guadarrama highlighted the impact of sports on inclusion and social transformation, urging stronger support for people with disabilities. “Talking about inclusion must mean talking about equality, respect, and opportunities. Sports change lives, and we will continue paving the way for more Paralympic athletes,” Zarza affirmed. A HISTORIC EVENT The event was attended by prominent figures, including Mexico City’s Head of Government Clara Brugada and high-ranking officials from the Secretariat of National Defense and the Navy. The 2024 National Sports Award not only celebrated the talent and dedication of athletes but also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting and developing sports as a driver of social transformation.

William de Jesús Arroyo Reyes traveled to China with the national team to compete in the Hong Kong 2024 World Taekwondo Championship, where he aims to stand out in both individual and pair freestyle events with Cecilia Lee.  The three-time world champion in taekwondo poomsae, William de Jesús Arroyo Reyes, traveled this Monday with the national team to China for the World Championship in Hong Kong 2024, which will be held from November 30 to December 4. Mexico will be represented by 52 athletes in this event.      “Since the start of the year, we’ve been working hard. After the Pan American Games, we kept training for this World Championship, so we’ve had almost a year of preparation, and now we just need to enjoy it,” shared the Oaxaca native in an interview with the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport (CONADE).  William will compete in the individual freestyle category, where he is the current world runner-up, and in pair freestyle with Cecilia Lee, with whom he won the gold medal at the Goyang 2022 World Championship.  “Mexico is a powerhouse at the global level, with great taekwondo athletes, both in combat and poomsae. It’s amazing that Mexico is seen as a top team, and I believe the Mexican delegation will put on a great show there,” said the also gold medalist at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.  You might also like: Paula Fregoso to compete in her fourth Taekwondo Poomsae World Championship in Hong Kong 2024 The Oaxaca native, who has earned gold medals at the World Championships in Lima 2016, Taipéi 2018, and Goyang 2022, recalled how he began taekwondo at an early age, encouraged by his father, Víctor Hugo Arroyo.      “I started taekwondo when I was young, thanks to my father, who is my coach. I dedicated myself 100% to poomsae, and when freestyle was introduced at the National Olympics (now CONADE Nationals), I fell in love with it. Now, I’m preparing for this World Championship in the freestyle I love. Taekwondo is life; it has given me a reason to keep going, and I enjoy it so much both in and out of the ring because taekwondo always teaches you many things and values,” he said.  Finally, he shared his determination to give his best at Hong Kong 2024.  “More than anything, I just want to enjoy it, give my best, and support the entire Mexican team because I believe we’re going to give our all.”

Cruz Azul, under the leadership of Martín Anselmi, suffered a surprising 0-3 loss to Xolos at the Estadio Caliente, complicating their future in the tournament. The first goal came in the 11th minute from Raúl Zúñiga, capitalizing on an error by Willer Ditta. Efraín Álvarez doubled the lead in the 18th minute, and as if that wasn’t enough, Jorge Sánchez was sent off for a foul on Zúñiga.  Before halftime, Emanuel Reynoso added a third goal for Xolos, leaving the “celestes” in a tough spot. In the second half, Anselmi made some changes to alter the flow of the game, but the team failed to react. Now, Cruz Azul will have to overcome the 0-3 deficit in the return leg at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes if they want to continue fighting for the championship.  You might also like: With a goal from “Santi” Giménez, Feyenoord salvaged a draw against Manchester City

Mexican figure skater Donovan Carrillo celebrated his 25th birthday by winning silver at the NRW Trophy 2024. He spoke with Rommel Pacheco and shared his plans for upcoming events like the Bavarian Open.  Carrillo visited the facilities of the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport (CONADE) and talked with Rommel Pacheco, the institution’s general director, about his next competitions. This followed his silver medal win at the NRW Trophy 2024 in Dortmund, Germany, on November 17, coinciding with his 25th birthday.  “Winning a silver medal on my birthday was a very special achievement, and I enjoyed it a lot. It was beautiful because, even though I knew it was my birthday, I tried to give my best, enjoy the competition, and it felt like a great reward,” the skater shared with CONADE.      In the competition, Carrillo scored 62.56 points in the short program and 131.45 in the free program, achieving a total score of 194.01.  “I felt good in this competition in Germany, calm and very relaxed. I had the opportunity to compete in the NRW the previous year, and just like this year, I repeated the silver. It’s a rink I really like, and I enjoy the atmosphere of this competition, so I felt very familiar with everything I was experiencing at that moment,” he highlighted.  You might also like: Donovan Carrillo completed his participation in the national tournament ahead of the 2025 World Championships The athlete, known as the first Mexican to qualify for a figure skating Olympic final at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, shared details about his upcoming sports events.      “What remains of this season is the most important part, the final trimester, which closes strong. I have the Four Continents Championship and the World Championship as the final goals for this season. But before that, in January, I will be participating in the Bavarian Open in Germany, and I’m very excited and motivated to continue growing. I think there’s a lot of room for improvement in my routines, so I’m giving my best to make the most of those pieces of music I love,” he concluded.

This afternoon, at 4:30 p.m., the National Palace will host the 2024 National Sports Awards ceremony, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. This event honors the achievements of athletes, coaches, and prominent figures, reaffirming Mexico’s commitment to sports. The awardees will also receive a financial incentive as part of the recognition.     OLYMPIC MEDALISTS IN DIVING AND JUDO TAKE CENTER STAGE In the non-professional sports category, divers Osmar Olvera and Juan Celaya stand out. Their historic performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games earned them a silver medal in the synchronized 3-meter springboard event, along with a bronze for Olvera in the individual category. Meanwhile, judoka Prisca Awiti made history by securing Mexico’s first-ever Olympic silver medal in judo, a groundbreaking achievement highlighting her dedication and talent. In the paralympic sports category, Marco Verde will be honored for his outstanding international results, solidifying his place as one of the leading figures in adaptive sports. CHARLYN CORRAL: AN ICON IN PROFESSIONAL SPORTS In the professional sports category, soccer player Charlyn Corral, who plays for Tuzas del Pachuca, will be celebrated for her remarkable career in women’s football. Corral has left her mark in both national and international leagues, serving as an inspiration to future generations.     HONORING LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AND OFFICIATING Diver Alejandra Orozco, a two-time Olympic medalist, will receive a well-deserved tribute in the lifetime achievementcategory following her retirement. She will share this recognition with Daniel Aceves, a key figure in promoting sports in Mexico.     In the sports judges or referees category, Katia Itzel García will be acknowledged for being the first woman to officiate a men’s Liga MX first-division match and for her outstanding work at both national and international levels. COACHES AND SPORTS PROMOTION The coaching awards will go to Iván Rodríguez, Martín Velasco, and Radamés Hernández, who have played a crucial role in developing national talent. Additionally, the Harp Helú Foundation will be recognized for its invaluable efforts in promoting sports across the country.   AN AFTERNOON TO CELEBRATE MEXICAN TALENT The 2024 National Sports Awards highlight the effort and dedication of those who inspire through their passion and achievements. This recognition reaffirms Mexico’s commitment to its athletes and the development of sports. Congratulations to all the awardees!  

The national pre-selection team ended the 2024 Para Swimming World Series in Guadalajara as the leader of the medal standings with a total of 44 medals (14 gold, 17 silver, 13 bronze). Mexico will host more events of the World Series between 2025 and 2028.  Mexico’s national pre-selection team concluded their participation in the 2024 Para Swimming World Series successfully, leading the medal table with 44 medals: 14 gold, 17 silver, and 13 bronze, according to data from World Para Swimming, the organization responsible for the event. The competition took place from November 21 to 24 at the Metropolitan Aquatic Center in Guadalajara.      Among the most notable achievements, Citli Siloe Salinas Rojas, a Mexican Paralympic athlete for Paris 2024, won three gold medals in the women’s 200 meters freestyle, 100 meters backstroke, and 100 meters breaststroke events. Meanwhile, Haidee Viviana Aceves Pérez, also a medalist in Paris 2024, secured a silver medal in the women’s 50 meters backstroke.  In the men’s category, Jesús Alberto Gutiérrez Bermúdez, a bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, earned six medals: two golds in the 400 meters freestyle and 200 meters individual medley, and four silvers in the 100 meters freestyle, 50 meters butterfly, 100 meters breaststroke, and 100 meters backstroke.  Internationally, Argentina’s Joaquín Leiva stood out with three gold medals in the 50 and 100 meters freestyle and 100 meters backstroke events. Additionally, Peru’s Micaela Aspaetegui shone with three golds in the 50, 100, and 400 meters freestyle events.      The event saw the participation of 219 athletes from 11 countries: Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Peru, Mexico, Neutral Para Athletes, and Hong Kong, China. Mexico had a strong representation with 158 swimmers, of which 83 were men and 75 were women.  You may also be interested in: Mexico concluded with 10 medals at the 2024 Deaf Pan American Games in Brazil This event, which was the third edition organized in Mexico, marked the penultimate date of the Para Swimming World Series. The National Commission for Physical Culture and Sports (CONADE), the Mexican Paralympic Committee (COPAME), the State Council for Sports Promotion of Jalisco (CODE), and World Para Swimming coordinated the event.      Furthermore, World Para Swimming confirmed that Mexico will host four more events of the Para Swimming World Series between 2025 and 2028, a significant step for athletes in their preparation for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games. Next year, Guadalajara will once again be the venue for this international competition.  Finally, the Para Swimming World Series will conclude in Cairo, Egypt, where the last stage will take place from December 6 to 8.

The athlete from Jalisco, World Champion in Taipei, Taiwan 2018, will compete in the 2024 Taekwondo Poomsae World Championship in Hong Kong, in the traditional modality, both individually and in pairs.  Paula Fregoso Arellano, the World Champion from Taipei, Taiwan 2018, will participate in the 2024 Taekwondo Poomsae World Championship in Hong Kong, which will be held from November 30 to December 4. This event will mark her fourth participation in World Championship tournaments in the discipline.      “I will compete on December 3 and 4, in the individual and pairs events, alongside Salvador Hinojosa. I’ve worked very hard to earn more medals for Mexico. We started preparing for this World Championship right after the last one, two years ago, so we’ve had a long preparation period,” the athlete from Jalisco shared with the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sports (CONADE).  The medalist from the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima held a training camp at the National Center for Development of Sports Talent and High Performance (CNAR), part of CONADE, to perfect the final details of her preparation before traveling to the championship venue.      You may also be interested in: Taekwondo Poomsae team received flag bearer honor ahead of the 2024 Hong Kong World Championship  “I started practicing taekwondo when I was eight years old, at the school where I was studying at the time, and from there I really liked it. I reached black belt, and when I started competing, I decided to focus on poomsae. I think this modality requires a lot of consistency and dedication because you’re perfecting movement by movement until you achieve excellence,” recalled the 24-year-old taekwondo athlete.  “The personal achievement that fills my heart the most is the gold medal at the 2018 World Championship in the individual event. I also won the trophy for Best Athlete and a silver medal in the team event. After that, I won the Pan American gold in Lima 2019,” Paula Fregoso highlighted.      Regarding her preparation before traveling to China, she said: “Taekwondo is my lifestyle. In the last few months leading up to this World Championship, it’s been all about training, eating, and sleeping. It’s very comfortable for us to train at CNAR because we have great facilities and all the services we need for our preparation. We’re very grateful to have had the whole team there, as we were able to work together to achieve our results for the World Championship.”  Finally, she emphasized what defines her as an athlete: “One quality that defines me is discipline, always looking for what I want and working until I achieve it. ‘He who perseveres, achieves.’” Fotos: CONADE