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When Jalisco cyclist María Fernanda Figueroa finished competing at this year’s Olimpiada Nacional, she had collected enough medals to fill a small display case: seven gold, one silver and one bronze. Her performance helped Jalisco achieve something even more remarkable—winning Mexico’s national youth sports championship for the 25th consecutive year.
The state also captured its 21st consecutive Paralimpiada Nacional championship, extending a record of success in adaptive sports that stretches back more than two decades. Together, the victories reflect a statewide development program that has produced generations of accomplished athletes.
Jalisco’s dominance began with a deliberate effort in the late 1990s to improve its standing in national competition. The state won the Olimpiada Nacional championship in 2002 and has held the title ever since. This year, its athletes collected 501 gold medals and 1,116 medals overall, both records for the state.
The achievement is even more impressive given the competition. Organized by Mexico’s National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport (CONADE), the Olimpiada Nacional includes more than 400,000 young athletes, ages 9 to 23, across its qualifying stages. More than 50 sports are represented, with competitors advancing from local and regional events to the national championships.
Much of Jalisco’s success comes from its organized approach to developing young athletes. The State Sports Council, known as CODE Jalisco, provides specialized coaching, training facilities, and support services. During a two-week training camp in April, more than 2,100 athletes prepared for national competition at facilities throughout the state. Medical personnel, physiotherapists, and nutritionists were available, while athletes traveling from other municipalities received lodging and meals.
The program even reaches Lake Chapala. Sailing athletes trained in Chapala during the April preparations, continuing the lake’s longstanding connection to competitive sailing. The area has hosted national regattas and helped develop sailors who have represented Mexico internationally.
Jalisco’s adaptive-sports achievements are equally impressive. At this year’s Paralimpiada Nacional, held in Jalisco from Sept. 20 through Oct. 10, the host state won 269 gold medals and 494 overall. More than 2,900 athletes participated in 11 disciplines.
Among the competitors was para swimmer Ángel de Jesús Camacho, who won seven gold medals. Camacho, a three-time medalist at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, finished his national competition career with 40 gold medals accumulated since his debut in 2018. His progression from national competitions to Paralympic success illustrates the opportunities these events can create.
Jalisco officials recognized their champions on Oct. 26, announcing 36.4 million pesos (about 2 million USD) in financial incentives for athletes and coaches, more than double the previous year’s amount. The awards also acknowledged the families and support personnel whose contributions often receive less attention than the medals themselves.
For Figueroa and today’s young competitors, Jalisco’s championship tradition began before they were born. Their achievements continue a legacy built by thousands of athletes, coaches and families who have spent a quarter-century keeping their state at the top of Mexican sports.
