Rommel Pacheco vies to be mayor of Mérida n 2024.

Mexico’s Sheinbaum appoints athlete-turned-politician Rommel Pacheco for leadership role

One of Yucatán’s more personable public figures, Rommel Pacheco, has caught the eye of Mexico’s president-elect.

Claudia Sheinbaum has picked the 38-year-old former Olympic diver and federal deputy as the next head of the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sports (Conade). On his popular social media accounts, Pacheco describes himself as an athlete, public servant, and proud Yucatecan, reflecting his sports, military service, and political achievements.

Yucatán politician Rommel Pacheco campaigns as a Morena party member in Dzityá. Photo: Courtesy

Pacheco’s diving career spanned more than 25 years, during which time he represented Mexico in various international competitions. He competed in four Pan American Games, winning three gold medals, and participated in four Olympic Games.

His political career began in 2021 when he joined the National Action Party (PAN) and was elected as a federal deputy. During his tenure, Pacheco was a vocal critic of the current Conade leadership, particularly its head, Ana Gabriela Guevara, and expressed concerns over her institution’s management. He even considered legal action against her for mismanagement. Now, he is set to replace Guevara at Conade.

As a deputy, Pacheco emphasized his commitment to improving health, supporting women’s rights, advocating for animal rights, promoting sports and tourism, and advancing gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. He reports having contributed to 1,400 legislative initiatives, including significant measures like Law 3 of 3, recognition for traditional midwives, support for the rights of people with disabilities, and proposals to increase the minimum wage.

Rommel Pacheco poses for his social media fans.
Former Olympic diver Rommel Pacheco shares a light moment with his social media followers. Photo: Courtesy

After leaving PAN, Pacheco joined the Morena party, which offered him a chance to run for the mayor’s office in Mérida. This switch in political affiliation drew criticism from both his former PAN colleagues and some Morena members, who objected to his candidacy and labeled him a “grasshopper,” a term for politicians who change parties. In the June elections, he secured nearly 39% of the vote in Mérida but fell short of the winner, Cecilia Patrón Laviada, who garnered over 51%.

Pacheco will lead Conade, succeeding Guevara, whose administration faced several conflicts with Mexican athletes.

With this new role, Pacheco will oversee the sports sector he once worked in. Additionally, Pacheco holds a degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Human Capital from Universidad Anáhuac del Sur and has experience as a public speaker.

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