The Malecón in La Paz was dressed to the nines to welcome more than a thousand athletes from 19 countries to the La Paz Triathlon 2026. The competition, already a benchmark on the Mexican Triathlon Federation’s calendar, tested the endurance of participants in the swimming, cycling, and running disciplines. Under the watchful eye of the Municipal Police and Civil Protection, the day unfolded amidst the adrenaline of the elite category and the effort of the age-group athletes in an unparalleled natural setting.
One of the day’s stars was David Rodríguez Girón, a young talent from Mexico City with a decade of experience in the sport. Despite the harsh weather conditions, especially the wind that challenged the cyclists, David emphasized the importance of earning points for the world ranking in this Continental Cup. His testimony reflects the discipline required to tackle a course where the swim begins directly in the sea, without any support points.
Before continuing his journey to upcoming international competitions, David Rodríguez Girón shared the following about his experience in La Paz:
“It was very exciting, a very tough event from beginning to end. My motivation was to gain more points in the world ranking. To young people, I say: go for it, it’s a challenging sport and the atmosphere is very healthy; the effort is all yours.”
The women’s team shone brightly thanks to Ana María Valentina Torres Gómez, a graduate of the University of Guadalajara. After suffering a hard fall in the previous edition that resulted in a contusion, Ana María returned to La Paz determined, achieving third place in the elite category. Her performance in the running leg was fundamental in establishing herself as one of the best Mexican athletes internationally in 2026.
Ana María Torres, a three-time university champion, highlighted that this year’s course was “fast and easy” with its flat layout, allowing her to record one of her best split times. The athlete from Jalisco, supported by both her family and institutions in Zapopan, sent a message of empowerment to those who haven’t yet dared to venture into high-performance sports.
Regarding the challenges of balancing academic life with sports and her recent victory, Ana María Valentina Torres Gómez expressed:
“The hardest part was studying and being a high-performance athlete; the stress was tough. My message to young people is to be brave and surround themselves with people who believe in them more than they sometimes believe in themselves.”
This event not only reaffirms La Paz as a world-class triathlon destination but also highlights the stories of personal triumph of those who traverse the Sea of Cortez. With their sights set on the World Series and the upcoming CONADE competitions, these athletes are leaving an indelible mark on the sporting history of Baja California Sur.
Source: tribunademexico
