The hard work and dedication of Autonomous University of the State of Mexico (UAEM) athletes paid off at the 2016 National University Games in Jalisco, from where they brought home 15 medals, putting the university in eighth place.
During the event, in which more than 6,300 athletes from more than 30 universities participated, UAEM won seven gold medals, four silver medals and four bronze medals.
The athletes’ good results in state, national and international competitions are due to the unconditional support by the 2013-2017 UAEM administration, led by Rector Jorge Olvera García.
Olvera García said that sports are a priority, because they provide health benefits and help with youth development.
The rector said that sports will be promoted during his administration, with the goal of creating a better quality of life that allows individuals to better develop physical and cognitive abilities.
At the event, Esmeralda Rebollo Salgado took home three gold medals in the 10,000 meter (10,936 yards), the 3,000 meter and the half marathon. Arantza Hernández Flores took the gold in the 1,500 meter and silver in the 800 meters. Jazmín Toral Cocom was awarded a gold medal in the 63 kilogram category and bronze in the free category.
Weightlifter Aremi Fuentes Zavala and athlete Javier Vega also won gold medals. Adriana Ochoa Cardona, Maritza Arenales, archer Mario Cardoso and wrestler Patrica Olvera González were awarded silver medals. José Gabriel Arellano Benítez, Jorge Elías Lara Estrada, Tania Lorena García Mercado, Karla del Carmen Hernández García, Susana Segura Sandoval and Erika Celeste Rodríguez Varela took home bronze medals.
Currently, UAEM has four athletes in the 2016 Rio Olympics: marathon runner Maragarita Hernández Flores, walker Guadalupe González Romero, athlete Juan Luis Barrios and boxer Elías Emigdio Abarca.
