Tapatio competitors are doing Guadalajara proud at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games.
Guadalajara’s Mónica Rodríguez set a new world record in winning the gold medal in the final of 1,500 meters (T11) on Tuesday. This was Mexico’s 100th medal in the history of the international parasports event.
“I felt a lot of energy coming out of me, my arms, my legs. I was overloaded with energy,” said the Tlaquepaque native. “I feel very happy. Words fail to express what I feel and I am very grateful to my family, my husband, my coach, and my guides who have supported me.”
The T11 category is for athletes with a visual impairment. A T11 athlete may be entirely without sight, or be able to perceive light, but have no ability to see the shape of a hand at any distance. T11 athletes commonly run with guides.
And on Wednesday, Guadalajara swimmer Arnulfo Castorena won the gold medal in the 50-meter breast stroke (SB2) event at the Tokyo Paralympics — his second gold and the sixth medal the 43-year-old has obtained in his sixth games.
“All Jalisco is proud of you.” the Jalisco government tweeted after Castorena’s victory. Compatriot Jesús Hernández finished in third place. Their medals were Mexico’s 299th and 300th won at the 12 Paralympics this country has competed in.
As of Thursday, September 2, Mexico had garnered five gold medals, one silver and eight bronzes, putting this country in 17th place in the overall medals table.