Gloria Zarza Guadarrama born in 1984 in Zinacantepec, Mexico has made this past September 2nd history by winning the gold medal in shot put at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Competing in the F54 category, which includes athletes who sit while competing due to disabilities like spinal cord injuries, Zarza’s incredible performance has made her a standout star.
Zarza achieved a top throw of 8.06 meters, surpassing the eight-meter mark not just once but twice during the competition. This impressive feat not only earned her the gold medal but also made her Mexico’s first gold medalist at the Paris 2024 Games.Â
Zarza’s path to this momentous achievement began later than most. She started her sports career at 28, first playing basketball before switching to shot put and other field events. Her hard work paid off with a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and a win at the World Championships in Kobe, Japan, earlier in 2024, where she threw 8.04 meters. Other previous awards include:
- In 2020 she received the Civil Merit Medal in the sports category in Zinacantepec, Mexico.Â
- In 2019 a rehabilitation consulting room was named after her at the facilities of the Sports and Physical Culture Institute in Zinacantepec, Mexico.Â
- In 2017 she received the Mexico State Sports Award in Mexico.Â
Her gold medal win is more than just a personal victory; it’s a significant achievement for Mexican sports. Zarza’s success shows her incredible dedication and resilience. Her performance has set a new benchmark and continues to inspire athletes both in Mexico and around the world.
Congratulations to Gloria Zarza for her amazing achievement and for making history at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Her story is a powerful example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination, and her success will inspire many to reach for their own dreams.