Yucatán Shines at Mexican Paralympics with 36 Medals

Yucatán’s Paralympic team dominated the pool in Aguascalientes this week, collecting 36 medals in the opening phase of Mexico’s biggest adaptive sports competition.

The state delegation wrapped up swimming and boccia events with an impressive haul: 18 gold, seven silver and 11 bronze medals. Their success puts Yucatán among the top performers as more than 2,500 young athletes from across Mexico compete in the National Paralympics.

Diana Torres Claudio emerged as the week’s biggest star. The teen swimmer swept all seven of her events, claiming gold in distances from 50 to 400 meters (164 to 1,312 feet). Torres Claudio, who competes in the S9 classification, still has another year of eligibility in the 16-18 age group.

“I am so proud of what our athletes have accomplished,” said Torres Claudio after her final race. “This is just the beginning.”

Luis Rodríguez matched Torres Claudio’s seven-gold performance in the 13-15 age group. The SM10 classification swimmer dominated his events, winning freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke and individual medley races.

Ulises Uc Chan added four golds and one silver to Yucatán’s medal count. His gold medals came in 100-meter (328-foot) freestyle, 200-meter (656-foot) freestyle, 150-meter (492-foot) individual medley and 100-meter backstroke. He earned silver in the 50-meter (164-foot) backstroke.

The swimming trio accounted for all 18 of Yucatán’s gold medals in the first competition phase.

Beyond the pool, Estefany Priego Meneses reached the boccia final in the 15-16 age category. The CB1 classification athlete earned silver after losing to Sonora’s Luzdana Paredes Samaniego in the championship match.

The National Paralympics marks the country’s most important adaptive sports event for young athletes ages 13 to 22. This year’s competition in Aguascalientes runs through October 12 and features 11 sports across multiple venues.

Paralympics flag ceremony

Yucatán Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena sent off the delegation last week in a flag ceremony at the Centro de Convenciones Yucatán Siglo XXI. The state’s Institute of Sport provided travel and logistical support for the team.

The swimmers have returned home while their teammates prepare for phase two. Track and field and paratriathlon events begin October 2, giving Yucatán additional medal opportunities.

Mexico’s sports commission CONADE organizes the annual event, which has grown from about 300 participants in 2004 to this year’s record field. The competition serves as a talent pipeline for Mexico’s national teams and future Paralympic Games.

CONADE leadership comes from Yucatán through director Rommel Pacheco, the former Olympic diver who took charge in October 2024. Pacheco has prioritized adaptive sports funding, dedicating nearly 200 million pesos ($11 million) to athlete support this year.

The Aguascalientes host state invested heavily in facilities and infrastructure. Governor Teresa Jiménez called the Paralympics “historic” for her state during opening ceremonies at the Olympic Aquatic Center.

Competition venues span Aguascalientes city, from the Olympic facilities to specialized courts for wheelchair basketball and boccia. All events remain free for spectators.

Yucatán’s strong showing continues the state’s recent success in national competitions. The delegation expects to add more hardware when track and field events begin next week.

Athletes will compete in throwing events, sprints and distance races adapted for various disability classifications. The paratriathlon combines swimming, cycling and running in a single challenging event.

Results from the first phase showcase Mexico’s depth in adaptive swimming, with states like Jalisco seeking their 20th consecutive national title. The competition level has increased dramatically as programs expand nationwide.

For Yucatán’s returning medalists, the focus shifts to preparation for regional and international competitions. The strongest performers may earn spots on Mexico’s national teams for future Paralympic Games and world championships.