With only 14 athletes registered, Guatemala surpassed Mexico in the Olympic medal table

In the Paris 2024 Olympic Games We witnessed many surprises and one of the biggest in Latin America was that of Guatemalawhich won the medal table above several Latin countries, such as Mexico, which finished five places below.

With one gold and one bronze medal, the Guatemalans were placed in 60th place in the medal table, with one gold and one bronze, while Mexico finished in 65th place, with three silver and two bronze; Colombia in 1967, with three silver and one bronze; Panama in 1975, with one silver, and Peru in 1985, with one bronze.

Higher than Mexico due to the gold medal

Although Mexico won more medals than Guatemala (five), the Central Americans were better, because, although they won only two, one was gold, which is worth more in the medal table than any amount of silver or bronze.

Guatemala won its two medals in shooting, the gold medal in the women’s trench, obtained by Adriana Ruanoescort of her delegation in the opening ceremony and flag bearer at the closing ceremony; while the bronze medal went to the men’s pit, led by Jean Pierre Brol.

Historic Olympic Games for Guatemala

As if that were not enough, Ruano’s medal was historic, It is the first gold medal won by the country since the Olympic Games have been in existence.since it only had one silver medal obtained in London 2012 in the 20-kilometre walk by Erick Barrondo.

It is also the first time that the country has won two medals in the same edition of the Olympic Games and, therefore, in the same discipline.

And, if that were not enoughthese two medals were achieved with a delegation of only 14 participantsso the 14.2% of its participants won medals and one climbed to the top of the podium, something quite positive for any country.

In comparison, Mexico, for example, won 5 medals with a delegation of 109 competitors, that is to say, 4.5% They ended up on the podium; none of them played the anthem.

The secret to becoming an Olympic champion

The formula for being a gold medalist in the Olympic Games that Guatemala followed is not known to anyone more than its own medalists; however, it is likely that there is no other than constant work and determination, As Raúl González recently saidMexican Olympic champion in the 20-kilometer race walk in Los Angeles 1984.

“The key to being an Olympic champion today is the same as in my time: a lot of work. If anyone knows another way, let me know, but I haven’t found it after 50 years,” he told EFE.

He went on to explain his theory, adding that mental work is also important, not just tactical and physical work.

“Win or not win is up to you. Attitude, determination, everything depends on you; you have to overcome apathy, insecurity and lack of determination. Setting goals, working, is decisive,” he concluded.

Continue reading:
· Raúl González, medalist in 1984, shares his secret to becoming an Olympic champion
· Mijaín López, Osmar Olvera and the Top 10 Latin figures of Paris 2024
· Mexico surpassed its medal haul from Tokyo 2020 in Paris 2024