Watch for these 4 Yucatecans at the Rio games
Four athletes from Yucatán are representing Mexico at the Rio Olympics. The schedule is subject to change, but here’s roughly when to watch to see them compete:
David Mier y Teran: Windsurfing preliminaries on Monday, Aug. 8. This is Mier’s fifth time competing in the Olympics. Mier participated in his first competition at age 15, and has competed in every Summer Olympics since 2000. He finished 25th in the 2000 Olympics; 16th in 2004; 17th in 2008 and 32nd in 2012.
Julian Ayala: Fencing preliminaries 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10. Ayala was born in Yucatán, but left his family behind 10 years ago to train in Nuevo Leon. He says the separation is painful, but that his family is supportive of his goals.
Rómmel Pacheco: Men’s synchronized diving Wednesday; Wed, Aug 10; 3-meter springboard diving, 1:14 p.m. Mon, Aug 15. Pacheco’s been popular on social media, where he has built a sizable fan base, in the months leading up to the Olympic Games.
Karem Achach: Synchronized swimming, women’s duet preliminaries, 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 14. After qualifying to compete, she returned to Colegio Renacimiento, where she studied since kindergarten, for a huge reception. This is her Olympic debut.
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