By Delia Ruelas

Two young athletes training under the Municipal Sports Institute (IMDER) delivered standout performances at both national and international meets. Both belong to the Hércules Track & Field Club, coached by Jaffet Juárez Bustamante, who said their recent results fuel his motivation to keep preparing these and other athletes for future competitions.

One of them, Izabella Monzón, turned in an impressive showing at the VII Central American and Caribbean School Sports Games 2025 in Montería, Colombia. She won bronze in the 4×100-meter relay and finished a strong fourth in the 200 meters.

At just 17, Izabella has only one year of track experience, yet she has already posted notable results. She won third place at the national CONADEIP championships while representing CETYS University, and took silver at Mexico’s National Games organized by CONADE. Those performances led to her selection for the 2025 regional Games.

Coach Juárez Bustamante said the experience is invaluable for the young athlete and the entire program. Although Hércules Track & Field is only two years old, its athletes—through consistency, commitment, and discipline—have already reached national podiums and now claimed their first international medal.

“This is the start of a very good path, and we just have to keep putting in the work,” he said. He added that Izabella will continue preparing for the CONADE national qualifying process, as well as upcoming international events, including the U20 World Championships scheduled for August 2026, with the goal of qualifying.

Another standout from the club is Diego Velázquez, who delivered excellent results at the 2025 COBACH National Championships held in Chihuahua. He won gold in the 800 meters with a time of 2:04.82, and silver in the 400 meters with an impressive 52.39.

Diego, an accomplished athlete in his own right, began with the Jaguares Club and previously won bronze in the mixed relay at the National Olympics. His strong results led to his selection by COBACH for the national meet. Seeking new training methods and long-term development, he transferred to Hércules Track & Field in September—meaning he has been with the club for only three months.

“His progress has been outstanding, and you can see it day by day,” the coach said.

Juárez Bustamante also thanked the athletes’ parents, who make great efforts to support their children with training, uniforms, travel costs, and everything required for competition. “People may call us crazy—or call me crazy—but this is all about helping them reach their goals and improve every single day,” he said.

He also acknowledged IMDER for providing access to the gym, storage space, and track, calling that support essential for the team’s development.