Prisca Awiti makes history by winning Mexico's first silver medal in judo.

The judoka Prisca Awiti Alcaraz has made history by becoming the first woman to win a silver medal in judo for Mexico at the 2024 Olympic Games held in Paris. The athlete, originally from London and with a Mexican mother, has sparked a wave of emotions and pride in the Latin American country by reaching the final in the -63 kg category. This achievement not only marks a milestone in her career but also an important chapter in the history of Mexican judo. Awiti, 28, began her journey toward the medal in an environment filled with expectations. In her first match of the day, she faced Nigara Shain from the refugee team, securing a decisive victory that laid the groundwork for her progress in the competition. With each victory, the excitement grew, leading Mexican fans to dream of gold. The climax came in the final against Slovenian Andreja Leški, who was considered the favorite. Despite the defeat, Awiti's performance was acclaimed by experts and fans alike, who recognized the value of her effort, especially considering she was ranked 18th in the world before the Games. Defeating high-level competitors, such as Polish Angelika Szymańska, ranked fourth in the world, was a testament to the talent and tenacity of the judoka. Awiti's silver medal becomes Mexico's second at these Olympic Games, following the bronze medal won by the women's archery team. Undoubtedly, this achievement has boosted the morale of the Mexican team and reinforced the growing development of judo in the country. Her coach, Jorge Atencio Ramírez, emphasizes that this podium finish is just the beginning of a new era for Mexican judo, filled with promise and potential. In his statements, Atencio expressed his pride in being part of the Mexican team and highlighted the progress of judo in the country. “Mexican judo has been evolving. We already have several medalists in continental championships. It has been progressing little by little with a new generation,” said the coach, who has played a crucial role in Awiti's training and motivation. Prisca Awiti's story is also one of personal triumph and familial connection. Born in the United Kingdom, her multicultural heritage has given her a unique perspective in sports. From a young age, she showed athletic abilities, but it was in judo that she found her true passion. The influence of her family, especially her brother Philip, who was also a prominent judoka, has been fundamental in her development as an athlete. “A great inspiration was my older brother, who was a high-performance judoka that won medals in Grand Slam events and competed in World Championships. I grew up seeing him as my idol,” Awiti commented. This family connection goes beyond competition, as the judoka shares moments of reflection and motivation with her siblings, who even contribute their musical talents to calm her nerves before matches. In each match, the judoka carries not only the flag of Mexico but also the love and support of her family. This emotional connection is one of the keys to her success; hearing her siblings' voices before competing gives her the tranquility she needs to perform her best on the mat. For Awiti, judo represents more than just a sport; it is a deep bond with her identity and her family. With her silver medal, Prisca Awiti has not only made history in Mexican judo but has also inspired a new generation of athletes. Her achievement is a reminder of the power of hard work, dedication, and love for the sport. As Mexico celebrates her success, the judoka prepares for what lies ahead, with her sights set on future championships and the desire to continue representing her country with pride. The echoes of her triumph will resonate beyond the confines of competition, leaving an indelible mark on the sporting spirit of Mexico. Prisca Awiti's story is an example of perseverance and passion, a legacy that will undoubtedly motivate many others to follow in her footsteps on the path to greatness.