Famous Guatemalan Sportspersons

Kevin Cordón is a highly accomplished Guatemalan badminton player with an impressive list of achievements. He has secured numerous titles in various prestigious competitions such as the Pan American Games, Pan Am Championships, and Central American and Caribbean Games. With a successful career spanning five Olympic Games, Cordón has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of badminton. His consistent participation and outstanding performance on the international stage highlight his dedication and skill as a professional athlete.

Luis Miguel Grijalva is a successful Guatemalan long-distance runner known for his achievements in both cross country and track events. After a notable high school career, he continued to excel at Northern Arizona University, earning multiple All-American honors in the NCAA. Transitioning to professional competition in 2021, he is currently sponsored by Hoka One One. Grijalva's impressive performances include a 12th place finish in the 5000m at the 2020 Summer Olympics and fourth place finishes at both the 2022 and 2023 World Athletics Championships.

Lester Martinez is a highly accomplished Guatemalan professional boxer with a successful career. He transitioned from amateur boxing, where he won notable achievements such as a silver medal at the 2012 Youth World Championships and a gold medal at the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games, to the professional circuit. Known for his skill and determination, Martinez has made a name for himself in the boxing world with his impressive performances and dedication to the sport.

Mateo Flores was a prominent Guatemalan long-distance runner known for his success in various international competitions. He achieved notable victories, including winning the prestigious Boston Marathon in 1952. Flores gained recognition for his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport of running, becoming a respected figure in the athletic community. His triumphs in long-distance races solidified his reputation as a skilled and accomplished athlete, inspiring others with his remarkable performances on the track.

Ana Sofía Gómez Porras is a retired Guatemalan artistic gymnast who has transitioned into coaching. Throughout her career, she achieved notable success in the gymnastics world, representing Guatemala in various international competitions. After retiring from competitive gymnastics, Ana Sofía shifted her focus to coaching, sharing her knowledge and expertise with aspiring gymnasts. As a coach, she continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of gymnasts, passing on her passion for the sport and helping them reach their full potential.

Laura Godoy is a versatile professional with a successful career in sports, modeling, and beauty pageants. She is well-known for her achievements as a talented volleyball player, having represented Guatemala in various competitions. Additionally, Laura has made a name for herself in the modeling industry, showcasing her beauty and grace on various platforms. Her crowning moment came in 2011 when she was named Miss Guatemala, leading her to compete in the prestigious Miss Universe pageant in 2012.

Andrei Gheorghe is a renowned modern pentathlete with a notable professional career. He represented Guatemala at the 2012 Summer Olympics, showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. Throughout his career, Andrei has established himself as a top performer in the field of modern pentathlon, earning recognition for his achievements and contributions to the sport. With his competitive spirit and commitment to excellence, Andrei continues to inspire aspiring athletes and fans worldwide with his remarkable performances on the international stage.

Teodoro Palacios Flores was a renowned Guatemalan high jumper known for his outstanding achievements in athletics. He represented his country at the 1968 Summer Olympics and secured a silver medal at the 1963 Pan American Games. His athletic prowess and dedication to his sport earned him a lasting legacy in the field of high jump. Palacios' contributions to the sport continue to inspire aspiring athletes and his impact on the athletic community remains significant.

Luis Carlos Martínez Méndez is a prominent Guatemalan swimmer known for his remarkable achievements in the sport. He has represented Guatemala in various international swimming competitions, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication. Throughout his career, Luis has earned numerous accolades and titles, solidifying his reputation as a top competitor in the swimming world. His commitment to excellence and relentless pursuit of success have established him as a role model for aspiring swimmers both in Guatemala and around the globe.

Jorge Alfredo Vega López is a prominent Guatemalan male artistic gymnast who has excelled on the international stage. He has represented Guatemala in various world championships, notably competing at the 2013 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium. Vega Lopez made history by winning Guatemala's first gold medal in gymnastics at the Pan American Games held in Toronto, Canada in 2015. His remarkable achievements in the sport have solidified his reputation as a talented and accomplished gymnast on the global stage.

Jennifer Muñoz is a professional footballer known for her skills as a defender. Originally from the United States, she has represented Guatemala on the international stage, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport. With experience playing at a high level, Muñoz has proven herself to be a valuable asset to her teams through her strong defensive capabilities and strategic gameplay. Her commitment to the game and passion for success have made her a respected player in the world of football.

Luisa Fernanda Portocarrero Diaz is a former Guatemalan artistic gymnast with an impressive professional career. She represented Guatemala at the 1992 Summer Olympics and participated in the 1991 Pan American Games, winning a bronze medal. Portocarrero achieved notable success at the 1993 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships and trained at Sport Seneca in Canada. Transitioning to collegiate gymnastics, she competed for the UCLA Bruins gymnastics team, contributing to the team's first National title in 1997. Portocarrero's legacy includes having one eponymous skill listed in the Code of Points.

Mirna Sucely Ortiz Flores is a Guatemalan racewalker who began her career in 1998, winning a Central American youth title in 2000. Despite facing financial challenges and temporarily leaving the sport, she made a successful comeback in 2011. Ortiz achieved notable successes such as winning silver at the 2011 Pan American Games and setting a regional record in 2012. She competed in the 2012 Olympics but was unfortunately disqualified. Ortiz continues to excel in racewalking, earning a spot to represent Guatemala at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

José Amado García Gabriel is a renowned Guatemalan long-distance runner with an impressive Olympic record. He has showcased his exceptional athletic abilities in multiple Summer Olympics, including the 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 editions. Throughout his professional career, José has demonstrated unwavering dedication, perseverance, and skill in the highly competitive field of long-distance running. His consistent presence at the world's most prestigious sporting event highlights his commitment to excellence and his status as a respected figure in the global running community.

Attila Solti is a Hungarian-Guatemalan sport shooter with a remarkable career in international competitions. He has won a total of twenty-nine medals, including multiple gold medals in the 10 and 50 m running target events at World Championships. Solti competed in five Olympic Games under two different banners and came close to winning an Olympic medal in 1996. He became a Guatemalan citizen in 1992, adding two more gold medals to his tally at the Pan American Games.

Ana Lucía Martínez Maldonado is a talented Guatemalan professional footballer known for her role as a forward for Liga MX Femenil club Monterrey and the Guatemala women's national team. With skill and determination, she has made a significant impact on the field, showcasing her abilities as a goal scorer and team player. Ana Lucía's presence on the pitch has earned her recognition for her contributions to both her club and national team, solidifying her reputation as a key player in women's football.

Carlos Santiago Motta Taracena is a retired boxer from Guatemala who competed in the light flyweight division at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He was the fourth Guatemalan boxer to participate in the Olympics. Motta achieved victories over opponents from Turkey and Kenya before being eliminated in the quarterfinals by Venezuela's Marcelino Bolivar, who went on to win the bronze medal. Motta's Olympic journey showcased his skill and determination in the boxing ring, leaving a lasting impact on Guatemala's boxing legacy.

Charles Fernandez is a successful Guatemalan modern pentathlete with notable achievements in his career. He represented his country at the 2016 Summer Olympics, finishing fifteenth in the men's event. Fernandez secured a gold medal in the men's modern pentathlon at the 2015 Pan American Games and also triumphed at the World Junior Championships. With participation in various global competitions, including three World Modern Pentathlon Championships and multiple youth and junior world championships, Fernandez has established himself as a skilled and accomplished athlete in the field of modern pentathlon.

Mayra Carolina Herrera Pérez is a talented Guatemalan race walker who has competed in the 20 km event at multiple Summer Olympics, including in 2012, 2016, and 2020. Her dedication to the sport and consistent participation at the highest level showcase her commitment to excellence and perseverance. Through her competitive spirit and hard work, she has established herself as a respected figure in the world of race walking, inspiring others with her achievements and determination.

Ted Hendricks, also known as "the Mad Stork," was a dominant linebacker in the NFL, playing for 15 seasons with the Baltimore Colts, Green Bay Packers, and Oakland / Los Angeles Raiders. He was a key player on four Super Bowl-winning teams and was inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame. Hendricks made history as the first Guatemalan-born player in the NFL and showcased his skills while playing college football for the Miami Hurricanes.

Gabriela Martinez is a highly accomplished Guatemalan racquetball player with a successful professional career. She has achieved significant milestones in her sport, including winning the Pan American Games Champion in women's doubles and the IRF World Champion in women's singles. Martinez has represented Guatemala at international tournaments since 2012, accumulating numerous medals throughout her career. Her dedication and skill have made her a respected figure in the racquetball world, showcasing her talent and determination to succeed at the highest levels of competition.