The mat is no longer enough
Mexican sport is shaking again, but this time not for a medal. Rhythmic gymnastics, that scene of grace and discipline, is now the center of a storm. A group of national teams, the same ones that made us dream of Paris 2024, decided to break the silence.
And it’s no wonder. The athletes not only point out a lack of institutional support, but also uncover a dark side: psychological abuse attributed to their coach. The sports community is on alert.
“We are the Olympic rhythmic gymnastics team. Today we are speaking because we can no longer remain silent, we are athletes, but we are also humans and today we are living with concern and fear about our future,” declared Kimberly Salazar.
Voices that do not remain silent
Julia Gutiérrez, Ana Flores, Kimberly Salazar, Adirem Tejeda and Dalia Alcocer—yes, the heroines of the Olympic classification—used their networks to tell their truth. They talk about emotional exhaustion, uncertainty. And the clock is ticking: the road to Los Angeles 2028 looks uphill.
The most serious thing: they were not considered in the qualifying process for the Central American and Caribbean Games in the Dominican Republic. A door slam in the face.
“We decided to raise our voices not only for ourselves but for past generations and those to come. No one should choose between their mental health, dignity and sports career,” said Dalia Alcocer.
There is no choreography here to cover up the pain. These gymnasts ask for support, from the fans and from the institutions. It is not a cry for help, it is a demand: that sport not be a ring of abuse. Let mental health not be a luxury.
