Bernardo Segura, a former Mexican Olympic medalist, shared his insights with AS Mexico just 7 days before the start of the Paris 2024 Olympics. He reflected on his bronze medal win in the 20-kilometer race walk at the Atlanta 1996 Games, emphasizing the importance of the medal for Mexico. Segura expressed his satisfaction with his performance at the Olympics and highlighted the significance of representing his country on the world stage.
Having experienced the life-changing impact of winning an Olympic medal, Segura stressed the importance of enjoying the moment without pressure. He noted that becoming an Olympic medalist opens doors to new opportunities and societal recognition. As a public figure and role model, he acknowledged the responsibility of inspiring young athletes and providing guidance based on his experience.
Segura also discussed the broader landscape of sports in Mexico, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach beyond focusing solely on medal counts at major sporting events. He highlighted the importance of promoting physical activity and recreation from grassroots levels, ensuring access to quality training facilities, and investing in well-trained coaches. He noted the evolution of Mexican sports over the past three decades, pointing to the increasing success in various Olympic disciplines.
In terms of future goals for Mexican sports, Segura proposed several key initiatives. He emphasized the necessity of legal reforms to enhance coordination between sports organizations and called for restructuring the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sports to elevate its status to a State Secretariat. Segura underscored the importance of investing in athlete development from the grassroots level, including coach training programs and international collaborations to enhance expertise.
As a potential candidate to lead the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sports in the future, Segura highlighted the need for a fresh perspective and a commitment to combat corruption within sports organizations. He expressed his willingness to contribute his experience and vision to shape the future of sports administration in Mexico.
In conclusion, Bernardo Segura’s insights shed light on the multifaceted approach needed to enhance the sporting landscape in Mexico. By emphasizing the importance of athlete development, institutional reforms, and international collaborations, Segura outlined a comprehensive vision for the future of Mexican sports. His dedication to promoting a culture of excellence and integrity within sports administration reflects a commitment to fostering success and growth in the Mexican sporting community.