Mother of One Eyeing Olympic Return at 29 Years After Becoming Mexico’s First-Ever Olympics Archery Medalist

Mariana Avitia etched her name in Mexican sporting history at the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the nation’s first-ever archery medalist. Now, after taking a break for the birth of her son, she’s eyeing a return to The Olympics stage in Paris 2024.

Avitia’s remarkable journey began at just 18 when she secured a bronze medal in the recurve women’s individual event, outgunning the five-time Olympian Khatuna Lorig. This historic triumph catapulted her into the Mexican sporting pantheon. Since then, her career took a pause, but not her dreams.

Sports’ power to transform a nation

In 2008, at the tender age of 14, Avitia marked her Olympics debut in Beijing, becoming the youngest member of the Mexican squad. Back then, archery wasn’t a household sport in Mexico, but her success ignited a wildfire of interest. She fondly remembers, “The truth is that I used to talk about archery, and nobody knew what it was. After the results of 2012, it was like an impressive boom. Everyone wanted to do this sport, and as the years went by, a lot of people became interested in archery.”

Now 30, Avitia reflects on that pivotal moment that changed her life and her sport. “Knowing we made history, knowing I made history, is something very cool. The fact that many people recognize you now and many people are obviously motivated to take up this sport simply because they have seen you in a competition at the Olympic Games is incredible.”

Yearning for more, aiming at gold

While Avitia missed several Olympic cycles as an athlete, the desire for more success still burns within her. As a young mother, she has already tasted The Olympics glory but is hungry for more. “Representing your country for a few minutes is a wonderful thing. So the fact that I am talking about Paris 2024, and being able to fulfil the dream of being an Olympic athlete again and give everything to win another Olympic medal, is great.”

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Mariana Avitia’s journey transcends medals; it’s about the transformation of a sport and inspiring a nation. Her indomitable spirit continues to push the boundaries, and as she sets her sights on Paris 2024, we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in her incredible story.