Amidst worries over the Zika virus, acts of terrorism and political turmoil in the form of impeachment proceedings against the country’s first female president, over 10,000 of the world’s best athletes will rely heavily on their laser like focus when they clash at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in a couple of weeks. Though many have declined to participate, you can also understand why the prospect of harm is not a deterrent for the overwhelming majority that has dreamed of this opportunity probably since they were toddlers.
With roots far beyond the first ‘Games of the Olympiad’ in 1896, the Olympics is without a doubt sports’ grandest stage. Excellence in this storied competition – no matter the sport – intimates the truest definition of world champion(s). Fittingly, selection to represent one’s country is not just emblematic of unmatched prowess in a particular sport, it is an honor with potential to elevate athletes from being “physically gifted” to immortalized figures should they reach the pinnacle of Olympic gold.
As you watch the games unfold this year, we suggest you pay close attention to these six atletas of Latino heritage who will represent the United States in their quest for Olympic glory.
Gymnastics
Laurie Hernandez
One of the youngest members in the entire US Olympic congregation, the 16-year old Hernandez has already made history and become an Olympic darling before the start of the games. She is just the third Latina ever to qualify and the first since Anna Hatch made the squad in 2004. Besides her infectious charisma and energetic performances, this Boricua bundle of joy and the pride of Old Bridge, NJ is mature beyond her years and has stated “it’s an honor to represent Puerto Rico and Hispanics and all the girls out there.” Like her teammates Gabby Douglas, Simone Biles, Aly Raisman and Madison Kocian, Hernandez will undoubtedly draw the world’s spotlight as a rising star in women’s gymnastics and one whose team will need brilliant performances from in order to claim the ultimate team prize.
Basketball
Carmelo Anthony
When you are a three-time Olympic medalist (two golds, one bronze) and the first US men’s basketball player to be selected to four Olympic teams, not much more need be said, right? Wrong. Can’t omit that this 9-time, NBA All-Star and half Boricua led Syracuse University to an NCAA championship as a freshman in 2002 and remains one of the NBA’s most prolific scorers since his arrival in 2003. Thrown in all-world teammates like Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson, and Anthony will likely need to find room for a third gold medal come August 21. Yet, what everyone should be on the lookout for is to see if Anthony will use this world stage to further his message of social justice which he has taken up since the recent incidents of police brutality at home. Only time will tell.
Boxing
Carlos Balderas
Few can say they fulfilled their lifelong dream by age 19. Since taking up the sport at the age of seven, Carlos Balderas – who is trained by his father and uncle – envisioned representing the US as an Olympian, a spot he earned in November 2015 after a superb showing at last year’s World Series of Boxing and being named the event’s Outstanding Boxer. This lightweight hailing from Santa Maria, California is motivated by the humble and impoverished beginnings from which his family came (he visited Mexico for the first time earlier this year). Balderas genuinely fights for his family’s honor and is determined to reward the sacrifice of his parents and grandparents by bringing them and the nation lightweight gold.
Boxing
Antonio Vargas
His boxing skills notwithstanding, “perseverance personified” might best describe this 19-year old from Puerto Rico who was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of nine. Rather than subject his son to medications, his father – Jose Estevez – decided to bring him to the gym so Antonio could burn the excess energy that couldn’t keep him still. Fast-forward ten years later, his father’s prescription appears to have paid off. Vargas has compiled an impressive resume of medals and titles from 2013 to 2015 in multiple competitions, including gold at the 2015 Pan American Games in the flyweight division. Also a devout Christian, Vargas credits his faith as a ‘grounding and driving’ force. Qualifying for the Olympics did not come easy for this resident from Kissimmee, Florida after initial early losses in trial tournaments but – through faith and determination – he performed brilliantly when it counted to earn a shot at gold next month.
Field Hockey
Melissa Gonzalez
The daughter of Cuban-born parents, Gonzalez has a wealth of international field hockey experience and an impressive collection of medals – including four in gold – from tournaments around the world (150 appearances) from 2011 to 2016. The former UConn All-American (and possibly the first Latina to become one in the sport) and native New Yorker gets a second chance at an Olympic medal having come up short as member of the 2012 Olympic team. According to NBC Sports, Gonzalez honors her late father – Felix – who passed away when she was 17, with a special tattoo on her foot and always wears a sweatband with her father’s “FG” initials.
Gymnastics
Danell Leyva
No stranger to the Olympics and international competition, Leyva – who migrated to the US from Cuba at just two years old when his parents defected– is an integral part of this year’s contingent. His solid performance in 2012 earned him a bronze medal in the Men’s All Around (individual) and similarly in the team category. A powerfully strong specimen, the 24-year old Leyva excels in the events of horizontal (high) bar, parallel bars and floor exercise. In 2011 he was the national all-around gold medalist and the world champion on the parallel bars. He also became the youngest member in 2009 to join the US National Senior team at the age of 17. With gymnastics running in the family, Leyva took up the sport at age four and has been under the tutelage of his stepfather and current coach – Yin Alvarez – and his mother – Maria Gonzalez – both of whom were members of Cuba’s national team.
Other Latino athletes deserving of honorable mention and recognition for making the team are:
Nico Hernandez – Boxing
Angélica Delgado – Judo
Pedro Pascual – Sailing
Anita Alvarez – Synchronized Swimming
Steven Lopez – Tae Kwon Do
Brenda Martinez – Track and Field