Mexico has never had a female wrestler qualify for the Olympics. That is, until last weekend happened and wrestler Alma Jane Valencia Escoto made history.
Valencia has become the first Mexican woman in history to qualify for the Olympics in wrestling following an outstanding performance at the Pan-American Wrestling Olympic Qualification Tournament in Ottowa, Canada. The athlete won an upset victory against 2019 World Champion Linda Moraes (of Canada) with a pin in the semifinals of the event, securing her place in the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games. She then won gold for the 57kg division by default against Helen Maroulis of the USA, who was injured and unable to continue competing.
United World Wrestling shared photos of Valencia following her historic moment:
According to Valencia’s social media, she’s also a doctor and a mother to a young daughter.
The Tokyo Olympics are scheduled for July 24-August 9, 2020.
