Inside Mexico's Paralympic Swim Team

In the ever-rippling waters of international competition, Mexico's para swimmers are making waves once again as they gear up for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. With Diego López Díaz, Ángel de Jesús Camacho Ramírez, and Jesús Alberto Gutiérrez Bermúdez leading the charge, the stage is set for an exhilarating spectacle of speed, determination, and perhaps a sprinkle of Mexican magic.

The “Xalapeño Missile” Aims to Blast Back to Gold in Paris

For Diego López, swimming isn’t just about conquering the pool; it’s about pushing boundaries, breaking records, and embodying the spirit of triumph against all odds. With a gleam in his eye and the Tokyo 2020 gold, silver, and bronze medals glinting proudly in his grasp, he embarks on his third Paralympic Games journey with unyielding resolve.

“I feel very happy because I am going for my third Paralympic Games, something that fills me with a lot of emotion,” López shares in an interview with the National Commission of Physical Culture and Sports (CONADE). “This started as a dream, and we are already on our third; I am happy and grateful to God, to my coach Fernando Gutiérrez Vélez, to all the people who have been involved in my sports, physical, mental preparation, and with my family who always supports me.”

With the Parisian event on the horizon, López gears up to compete in four exhilarating events: the 50-meter freestyle, 50 backstroke, 200 free, and 150 combined. As the reigning champion from Tokyo 2020, the weight of expectation hangs heavy on his shoulders, but López embraces the challenge with open arms.

“I am going as the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic champion, so the commitment is quite strong,” López remarks. “There were three medals, so I would like to improve the result, and I am preparing for that. There are very good competitors from other countries, younger people who are getting involved. So we have to give our best to get a good result like the one in Tokyo again and fight with everything to achieve the title of champion once more.”

Nicknamed the “Xalapeño missile” for his lightning speed in the pool, López reveals his meticulous preparation plan for Paris 2024. From grueling training camps to international competitions, every stroke, every kick, propels him closer to his goal.

“We are going to have several preparation camps,” López explains. “In April, we would go to the World Series in Indianapolis (United States), to Berlin, Germany in May, from there to a camp in Tenerife (Spain), and then to the Sierra Nevada, to a competition in Paris before the Paralympic Games. That is what we have planned.”

As he dives into the depths of his training regimen, López remains unwavering in his pursuit of excellence. With records shattered and triumphs celebrated, his journey epitomizes the essence of resilience and dedication. Paris 2024 beckons, and Diego López stands ready to carve his name into Paralympic history once more.

Ángel Camacho's Quest for Paralympic Glory in Paris

In the world of sports, there are tales of triumph, perseverance, and sheer determination that capture our hearts and minds. One such story is that of Ángel de Jesús Camacho Ramírez, a young para swimmer hailing from the beautiful state of Guanajuato, Mexico. At just 19 years old, Ángel has already made waves in the Paralympic arena, clinching a bronze medal in his debut at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. But his journey doesn't end there; it's merely the beginning of an exhilarating chapter as he gears up for his second Paralympic outing in Paris 2024.

“I feel very happy and content,” Ángel shares, his excitement palpable as he reflects on his official classification for Paris 2024. “We fought a lot for it, and now there is nothing left but to work and win medals.”

Mentally and physically primed for the challenge that lies ahead, Ángel exudes confidence and determination. “I am prepared,” he asserts, comparing himself to the young athlete who graced the pools of Tokyo three years ago. “I simply have to work more.”

Under the guidance of his coach, Fernando Rafael Gutiérrez Vélez, Ángel is honing his skills and fine-tuning his technique for the array of events awaiting him in Paris. With a Parapan American record in the 200 meters freestyle, category S4, Ángel is poised to make a splash across five events: 50, 100, and 200 meters freestyle, along with the 150 combined and 50 backstroke.

But before Paris, there are pit stops along the way. Ángel divulges his upcoming plans, revealing, “I have the World Series in the United States in April, followed by one in May in Germany. They are the two competitions that we have beforehand, part of the preparation to be in better shape for Paris 2024.”

As Ángel embarks on this adrenaline-fueled quest, his infectious spirit and unwavering dedication serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide. With each stroke, he epitomizes the resilience and fortitude required to chase one's dreams relentlessly.

Gutiérrez Dynasty Adds a Splash for Paris

Jesús Alberto Gutiérrez Bermúdez, the youngest scion of the illustrious Gutiérrez Bermúdez dynasty, whose journey to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is nothing short of a fairytale debut.

At the tender age of 17, Jesús has already etched his name in the history, securing his official pass to the prestigious Paralympic stage. Jesús expressed his elation at this monumental achievement, “I feel happy and excited since I qualified for my first Paralympic Games. It is a very great emotion.”

But Jesús' journey to Paris wasn't paved with gold; it was paved with grit, determination, and an unwavering resolve to defy the odds. Hailing from Bogotá, Colombia, Jesús embarked on his quest for Paralympic glory, conquering each stroke with precision and finesse. His triumph at the Bogotá 2023 Youth Parapan American Games served as a reminder of his dedication and hard work, proving that dreams do come true for those who dare to chase them.

Set to make waves in the pool, Jesús will be showcasing his prowess in a myriad of events, including the 200-individual medley, 100 and 400 freestyle, and the lightning-fast 50 butterfly. With each stroke, he will be a beacon of inspiration, a symbol of resilience, and a reminder that age is but a number in the pursuit of greatness.

As Jesús prepares to represent his country on the global stage, the national selection process for para swimming continues to unfold. With June looming on the horizon, the anticipation mounts as the remaining 16 places for Mexico's contingent to Paris 2024 will soon be decided. And amidst the flurry of competition and anticipation, Jesús stands poised to seize his moment and etch his name in Paralympic lore.