15 Mexican Olympians Who Won Medals and Made Their Country Proud
The Olympic Games were first held in Greece in 1896 — and have brought out the best athletes from around the world to compete in events like swimming, gymnastics, and in recent years, even things like snowboarding and breakdancing.
Since Mexico started competing in the Olympics in 1900, these prestigious games have offered Mexican Olympians the chance to showcase their physical prowess.
Over the years, numerous Mexican athletes have won Olympic medals, and in this article, we’re showcasing the achievements of the 15 best Olympians from Mexico.
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1. Joaquín Capilla: Diving
Olympic Success & Medals
Joaquín Capilla has competed in four Olympic Games — those in 1948, 1952, 1956, and 1960.
At age 19, he participated in the 1948 London Olympics and won the bronze medal in the 10-meter platform event, becoming the first Mexican Olympic medalist in diving.
Capilla also won a silver medal at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952 for the same event.
Four years later during the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, Capilla earned the gold medal in the 10-meter platform, and the bronze medal in the 3-meter springboard dive.
With four, he is currently the Mexican athlete who has won the most Olympic medals.
Joaquín Capilla‘s Early Life & Legacy Today
Joaquín Capilla was born on December 23, 1928, in Mexico City.
He discovered his talent for diving during his teenage years, which is considered “late” to get started, but pursued the sport with unwavering dedication.
With strong support from his family, he rapidly progressed in the sport.
Later in life, Capilla remained a prominent figure in the diving community, contributing as a coach and mentor.
His expertise and passion for diving left a lasting impact, inspiring and guiding future generations of Mexican divers that followed him until his death in 2010.
2. María Espinoza: Taekwondo
Olympic Success & Medals
María del Rosario Espinoza has competed in three Olympic Games — and won medals at each — starting with the 2008 Beijing Olympics in China.
She won a gold medal in Beijing, a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics in England, and a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil.
María Espinoza‘s Early Life & Legacy Today
Espinoza was born November 29, 1987, in La Brecha, Sinaloa, Mexico, and began practicing the Korean martial art of taekwondo at a young age.
Today, Espinoza is still an influential figure in the taekwondo world.
She actively promotes the sport, mentors young athletes, and engages in various charitable activities, aiming to inspire and support the next generation of Mexican taekwondo practitioners.
3. Soraya Jiménez: Weightlifting
Olympic Success & Medals
Soraya Jiménez’s biggest professional achievement was winning a gold medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympics in the women’s 58 kg weightlifting event.
🥇 Fun Fact: She was the first Mexican woman to win an Olympic gold medal.
Soraya Jiménez’s Early Life & Legacy Today
Soraya Jiménez was born on August 5, 1977, in Naucalpan, Estado de México (State of Mexico).
From an early age, and with the support of her family, Jiménez dedicated herself to weightlifting. Her determination and intense training led her to excel quickly.
In the years following her Olympic victories, Soraya remained a prominent figure in the sports community as a sports analyst and commentator.
Sharing her expertise and inspiring future athletes, her legacy continues to influence and motivate aspiring weightlifters in Mexico.
4. Paola Espinosa: Diving
Olympic Success & Medals
Paola Espinosa has competed in four Olympic Games, starting with the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.
She won a bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and a silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics.
Paola Espinosa‘s Early Life & Legacy Today
Paola Espinosa was born on July 31, 1986, in La Paz, Baja California Sur, and from a young age, she showed an interest in sports, particularly diving.
Her parents supported her passion, and she began training intensively, quickly rising through the ranks of junior diving competitions.
Today, Paola Espinosa is a respected figure in the sports community. She has expanded her influence beyond diving by becoming an advocate for athletes’ rights and well-being.
Additionally, she is involved in various charitable activities and works to promote sports among young people in Mexico, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Her professional success as a Mexican diver and philanthropic work have made her one of the most famous people from Mexico.
5. Ricardo Delgado: Boxing
Olympic Success & Medals
Ricardo Delgado Nogales won a gold medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City in the flyweight division (112 pounds/51 kg).
His victory contributed to Mexico’s medal tally in their home Olympics, and he also won medals at the Central American and Caribbean Games and Pan American Games
Ricardo Delgado‘S EARLY LIFE & LEGACY TODAY
Ricardo Delgado was born July 13, 1947, in Mexico City, Mexico, and from a young age, he exhibited a natural talent for boxing.
Training rigorously, he quickly rose through the ranks by winning local and national competitions to become one of the country’s top amateur fighters.
Delgado turned professional in 1969. However, his professional boxing career wasn’t as fruitful, forcing him to retire with 14 wins, 12 losses and 5 draws.
However, he remains influential in the boxing community today — and there was even a boxing arena named after him in Cancun (though the name has since changed).
Additionally, he’s involved in various charitable activities, aiming to support and inspire the next generation of boxers in Mexico through coaching and mentorship.
Although his professional career had its challenges, Ricardo Delgado’s Olympic triumph remains a proud moment in Mexican sports history.
6. Alvaro Gaxiola: Diving
Olympic Success & Medals
Alvaro Gaxiola competed in three Olympic Games — those in 1960, 1964, and 1968.
His best moment was in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, where he won a silver medal in the 10-meter platform event.
Alvaro Gaxiola’s Early Life & Legacy Today
Gaxiola was born on August 26, 1937, in Guadalajara, Mexico — which is the second biggest city in Mexico.
His interest in diving developed during his youth, and after years of dedicated practice, he advanced in competitive diving and gained national notoriety.
He contributed as a mentor and coach, sharing his expertise with aspiring divers. His legacy continues to inspire and guide new generations of athletes in Mexico.
After retiring, Alvaro moved to the United States and worked as a civil engineer. He is remembered as a pioneer in Mexican diving, and passed away August 19, 2003.
7. Humberto Mariles: Equestrian
Olympic Success & Medals
Humberto Mariles won two gold medals in the 1948 London Olympics in the individual and team show jumping events.
🥇 Fun Fact: He was the first Mexican to win an Olympic gold medal in equestrian sports, and the only double Olympic champion from Mexico.
Humberto Mariles‘ Early Life & Legacy Today
Humberto Mariles was born on June 13, 1913, in Parral, Chihuahua. Thanks to his remarkable skills, he quickly excelled in the equestrian world.
Even later in life, he remained influential in the Mexican equestrian community, sharing his knowledge and experience as a mentor and coach.
Mariles passed away on December 7, 1972, but his legacy continues to inspire and guide aspiring equestrians in Mexico today.
8. Ana Gabriela Guevara: Sprinting
Olympic Success & Medals
Ana Gabriela Guevara won a silver medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics in the women’s 400 meters event.
🥈 Fun Fact: She was the first Mexican woman to win an Olympic medal in sprinting.
Ana Gabriela‘s Early Life & Legacy Today
Ana Gabriela Guevara was born on March 4, 1977, in Nogales, Sonora, and her interest in athletics began during her school years.
She quickly rose to prominence in track and field, thanks to her exceptional talent in the sport.
Today, Guevara remains a significant figure in the sports world by continuing to inspire and motivate young athletes in Mexico, and advocating for athletes’ rights.
9. Alejandra Orozco: Diving
Olympic Success & Medals
Alejandra won a silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics in the synchronized 10-meter platform event.
🥈 Fun Fact: She was the youngest Mexican to win an Olympic medal in diving.
Alejandra Orozco‘S EARLY LIFE & LEGACY TODAY
Alejandra Orozco was born April 19, 1997 in Zapopan, which is a charming suburb of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
She discovered a passion for diving during her school years, and pursued it with dedication and determination.
Orozco’s talent and hard work led her to excel in various competitions, including the Pan American Games and World Championships, where she earned multiple medals.
Today, she remains a prominent figure in Mexico’s diving community, sharing her experiences and inspiring future generations of divers in Mexico.
10. Carlos Mercenario: Racewalking
Olympic Success & Medals
Carlos Mercenario won a silver medal in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics in the 50 km racewalk event.
🥈 Fun Fact: He was the first Mexican to win an Olympic medal in racewalking, and the first to win the Race Walking World Cup in the 20 km and 50 km races.
Carlos Mercenario‘s Early Life & Legacy Today
Carlos Mercenario, born May 23, 1967, in Mexico City, Mexico, showed a talent for racewalking at an early age.
His hard work, dedication, and talent led him to quickly excel in national and international competitions before competing in the Olympics.
In his later years, Mercenario remained influential in the athletics community, sharing his expertise as a coach and mentor.
Though he retired from professional sports in 2010, his legacy continues to inspire and guide future generations of racewalkers in Mexico.
11. Fernando Platas: Diving
Olympic Success & Medals
Fernando Platas competed in four Olympic Games, starting with the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
His best moment was in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where he won a silver medal in the 3-meter springboard event.
That win solidified him as one of the best divers in the world, though he had also won medals at the Central American Games and FINA Championships.
Fernando Platas‘ Early Life & Legacy Today
Born on March 16, 1973, in Mexico City, Fernando Platas displayed an affinity for water sports, leading him to pursue diving.
Encouraged by his family, he honed his skills and showed remarkable talent, which set the stage for his future in competitive diving.
He is still an influential figure in the world of sports but transitioned into roles beyond diving, involving himself in sports administration and motivational speaking.
Platas also engages in philanthropic activities, aiming to inspire and support young athletes in Mexico, contributing to the development of sports in his home country.
12. Germán Sánchez: Diving
Olympic Success & Medals
Germán Sánchez won a silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics in the synchronized 10-meter platform event.
🥈 Fun Fact: He was the first Mexican to win an Olympic medal in synchronized diving.
Germán Sánchez‘s Early Life & Legacy Today
Germán Sánchez was born on June 24, 1992, in Guadalajara, Mexico, and discovered a passion for diving during his school years.
His natural talent and hard work led to medals at the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games, 2011 Pan American Games, and the Olympic medal in London.
Today, Sánchez remains an influential figure in the diving community, often engaging in mentorship and coaching, as he continues to inspire aspiring divers in Mexico.
13. Daniel Aceves: Wrestling
Olympic Success & Medals
Daniel won a silver medal in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics in the men’s Greco-Roman wrestling event.
🤼 Fun Fact: He was the first Mexican to win an Olympic medal in wrestling.
Daniel Aceves‘ EARLY LIFE & LEGACY TODAY
Daniel Aceves was born on November 18, 1964, in Mexico City, Mexico, and began wrestling at a young age.
His talent and perseverance led him to excel in competitions like the Pan American Games and World Wrestling Championships, where he earned multiple medals.
Today, he remains a significant figure in the Mexican wrestling community, actively involved in promoting sports and mentoring young athletes.
14. Belem Guerrero: Cycling
Olympic Success & Medals
Belem Guerrero won a silver medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics in the women’s points race event.
🥈 Fun Fact: She was the first Mexican woman to win an Olympic medal in cycling.
Belem also won several medals when she competed at the XIX Central American and Caribbean Games in 2002.
Belem Guerrero‘S EARLY LIFE & LEGACY TODAY
Belem Guerrero was born on March 8, 1974, in Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico, which is about an hour from Downtown Mexico City.
Her talent and hard work in cycling led her to excel in various competitions, including the Pan American Games, the Central American and Caribbean Games, and eventually, the Olympics.
During the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, she placed fifth in the points race but didn’t win any medals.
Today, she remains a prominent figure in the cycling community, involved in mentoring young athletes and promoting the sport in Mexico.
15. Ernesto Canto: Racewalking
Olympic Success & Medals
Ernesto won a gold medal in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics in the 20 km racewalk event.
🥇 Fun Fact: Canto was the first Mexican to win an Olympic medal in racewalking.
Ernesto Canto‘S EARLY LIFE & LEGACY TODAY
Ernesto Canto was born on October 18, 1959, in Mexico City, Mexico.
A precocious walker, Canto said he was inspired to pursue athletics after seeing José Pedraza win a silver medal for Mexico at the 1968 Olympic Games.
By the age of 13, he had already won the Mexican national championship in the children’s category, marking the beginning of his international success.
Together with María del Rosario Espinoza, they’re the only Mexican athletes to complete the so-called “Olympic Cycle,” which means they won medals in the Central American Games, Pan American Games, World Games, and Olympic Games.
While he passed away in November 2020, his expertise and passion for racewalking has left a lasting impact on future generations of athletes.
Mexico in the Olympics: Frequently Asked Questions
Will Mexico play in the 2024 Olympics?
Yes — Mexico will compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics in more than 40 events, including archery, diving, swimming, gymnastics, judo, golf, and weightlifting.
Has Mexico won gold medals in the Olympics?
Yes — Mexico has won a total of 73 Olympic medals, including 13 gold medals, 24 silver medals, and 36 bronze medals.
Which Mexican athlete has won the most Olympic medals?
With four medals, one gold, one silver and two bronze, Joaquín Capilla is the Mexican athlete with the most Olympic medals.
He was also the first Mexican athlete to obtain medals in three consecutive games; 1948, 1952, and 1956.
María Espinoza is the Mexican female athlete who has won the most Olympics medals for the country.
In 2016, she became the first Mexican female athlete to win a medal in three consecutive games; 2008, 2012 and 2016.
Which Mexican athlete has won the most gold medals at the Olympics?
With two gold medals won in equestrian events during the 1948 London Olympics, Humberto Mariles has won more gold than any other Mexican athlete.
What is Mexico good at in the Olympics?
Mexico has won more Olympic medals in diving than nearly any other country.
Mexico’s most decorated Olympian was a diver named Joaquín Capilla. He won four medals for Mexico between 1948 and 1956.
Mexico has also dominated in Olympic racewalking for more than 50 years, winning 10 gold medals, 5 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals.
Some famous Mexican racewalkers include Maria Guadalupe Gonzalez and Alegna Gonzalez.
Has Mexico won the Olympics in soccer?
Yes — Mexico defeated Brazil 2-1 in the Gold Medal Match at the 2012 London Olympics. It was Mexico’s first, and only, soccer gold medal.
Has Mexico ever hosted the Olympic Games?
Yes — The 1968 Summer Olympics were held in Mexico City. These games had 5,516 athletes competing from 112 countries in 172 events.
What happened at the 1968 Mexico Olympics?
The Mexico City Olympics had several notable events, including the now-infamous Black Power salute, controversies over the Mexico City altitude, and doping tests.
1. ⛰️ High Elevation
Mexico City’s elevation of 7,350 feet above sea level (2,240 m) affected many athletes — some negatively and some positively.
Competitors in track and field events like the long jump, shot put and high jump believed the city’s location benefitted them because of the thinner air.
However, distance runners and swimmers said they were at a disadvantage because they couldn’t take in as much air as they could in their training sessions.
2. 🏅 Low Medal Count
Mexico won nine medals, the fewest ever won by a host nation at a Summer Olympics.
However, this was also the country’s highest number of gold medals and overall medals won at a single games.
3. ✊🏿 Black Power Salute
On October 16, 1968, Black American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos silently protested during the men’s 200 meter race medal ceremony.
Smith, the gold medalist, raised his right fist and gave the Black Power salute while the U.S. national anthem played.
Carlos, the bronze medalist, wore a beaded necklace which he said represented the lynchings of Black Americans, and raised his left fist to symbolize Black unity.
Both athletes also wore black socks instead of shoes during the medal ceremony.
Their protest against racial segregation in the U.S. led to their expulsion from the Olympic Village during the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games.
4. 💉 Doping Tests
For the first time ever, winners were required to undergo doping tests for narcotics and stimulants — and one person was stripped of a medal.
Swedish pentathlete Hans-Gunnar Liljenwall tested positive for excessive alcohol, and was disqualified.
He allegedly had some beer prior to the pentathlon pistol shooting to calm his nerves, and was later stripped of the bronze medal he won.