María José Alcalá: "The most important thing is that athletes feel calm"

Ahead of the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, the Mexican delegation can feel assured about the relationship between the Mexican Olympic Committee (COM) and the National Sports Commission (CONADE). María José Alcalá, president of the COM, described a strong rapport between herself and Rommel Pacheco, the head of CONADE.

This cooperative atmosphere stands in stark contrast to the previous tenure under Ana Gabriela Guevara, when the leaders of the two organizations reportedly sought to undermine each other's work. Alcalá highlighted that she and Pacheco maintain constant communication to address the challenges faced by Mexican athletes.

"It's about treatment, isn't it? Respect, cordiality, each giving their place to whom it corresponds. I believe that when something isn't working, we should say so, find a way out," Alcalá commented after the official flag ceremony for the Mexican delegation.

Alcalá, a former Olympic athlete herself, stressed the importance of keeping athletes calm regarding the relationship between the sports leaders. This peace of mind allows them to concentrate on achieving sporting results rather than being distracted by internal disputes. "We have a good relationship of respect, cordiality, we talk, we seek each other out mutually, and I hope things continue this way," she stated.

She added, "The most important thing is that the athletes feel calm, right? That they don't feel like divorced parents; on the contrary, that they always feel that affection, respect, and admiration from their authorities." Alcalá expressed full confidence in the over 600 Mexican athletes traveling to Santo Domingo, believing they have strong potential to win medals and contribute to the country's sporting growth. "Ultimately, the most important thing is that Mexico's athlete reserve continues to grow, that it is not lost, and I believe that each of us doing our job can lead to better outcomes for Mexican sports," she concluded.