Alegna González has confidence ahead of the Olympics

Alegna González, a Mexican long-distance runner from Chihuahua, secured a gold medal in the men's marathon walk at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Her victory came during her return to Mexico, where she expressed satisfaction with the achievement, calling it the perfect ending to an unforgettable year. The win added to her previous successes, including victories at the Gran Premio de Rio Maior and the Gran Premio Cantones in Spain, where she set a national record. González competed on the Malecón track in Santo Domingo, maintaining control of the race from the 11th kilometer onward. She crossed the finish line with a time of 1:36:05, securing the top spot in the competition. Her performance was part of a successful campaign for the Mexican delegation, which saw Alejandra Ortega claim two medals, contributing to a strong overall medal tally. Upon returning to Mexico City, González shared her thoughts at the International Airport. She described the gold medal as the culmination of a remarkable year, in which she consistently achieved success in each competition. “I feel very happy with the medal,” she said. “That was my goal, and in the end, it was achieved. I believe this year has been incredible because in every competition I participated in, I won gold. This is a good sign for what we’re aiming for in the future.” The victory served as a confidence boost for González ahead of the upcoming Olympic cycle. Having previously finished fifth in both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, she acknowledged that the gold in Santo Domingo provided the emotional lift needed to prepare for the challenges ahead. “This gives you a bit more confidence,” she explained. “Achieving what you set out to do can be motivating. However, you can’t get too comfortable because every competition is different. My preparation wasn’t ideal, and I was a little nervous, but I stayed focused and it worked out well for me.” Looking forward, González plans to compete in the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, and the World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China. She identified areas for improvement, particularly in long-distance races, stating that she must focus on overcoming her fear of completing extended distances. “I’ve always been this way, so I need to concentrate on removing that fear,” she concluded. Her journey through the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games marked a pivotal moment in her career, offering both personal fulfillment and professional momentum. As she prepares for the next phase of her athletic life, the gold medal stands as a testament to her resilience and dedication. With the upcoming major competitions on the horizon, the road ahead promises new challenges and opportunities for growth.