Mexican Judo History-Maker Prisca Alcaraz: From London to Olympic Podium

In a historic moment for Mexican sports, Prisca Alcaraz became the first athlete from her country to win an Olympic medal in Judo. On July 30, 2024, in Paris, Alcaraz secured a bronze medal in the -63 kg category, marking a significant milestone for her sport in Mexico.

From London to León

Alcaraz’s journey began in Enfield, a suburb of London, where she was born in 1996 to a Kenyan father and a Mexican mother. Frequent visits to her maternal grandmother in León, Guanajuato, instilled in her a deep connection to her Mexican heritage. Her brother’s influence led her to start practicing Judo at the age of eight.

“I started to practice judo at age eight because my brother was the first to train,” she recalls.

British Formation, Mexican Heart

Alcaraz honed her skills at the Enfield Judo Club, benefiting from the European system’s rich history in elite athlete formation. In 2022, she moved to Mexico and joined the national team, bringing her unique blend of international experience and cultural understanding to the squad.

“I feel that I added a lot to what the team already had,” she says.

The Road to Paris

The path to Olympic glory was not linear for Alcaraz. Her biggest challenge was believing in her own potential. Through consistent improvement and unwavering determination, she transformed from a promising athlete into a genuine medal contender.

Mental Toughness

In Judo, mental strength is as crucial as physical prowess. Alcaraz emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help to manage pressure, ups, and downs. She believes that working with a psychologist has been instrumental in her development as an athlete.

“You should not stop taking care of it. More work with psychologists not only helps in daily training, but also in the preparation for competencies,” she says.

Music as Fuel

Before each competition, Alcaraz relies on music to focus and motivate herself. She uses quiet, calming tunes between fights and more aggressive, intense tracks just before stepping onto the tatami.

“It is rap, something that I set, that motivates me to compete,” she explains.

Legacy and Future

Alcaraz’s Olympic medal has sparked newfound interest in Judo across Mexico. She is now determined to continue inspiring the next generation of athletes, embracing her role as a trailblazer for her sport.

“I feel that I was part of that, that people did not know judo, but now they are knowing it. And I don’t think this stops here,” she confirms.

Did you know?

• Alcaraz is the first Mexican to win an Olympic medal in Judo.
• She started practicing Judo at the age of eight, inspired by her older brother.
• Alcaraz believes in the power of mental health support for athletes.

Pro Tip

Want to improve your Judo skills? Incorporate mental training into your routine, focusing on pressure management and maintaining a positive mindset.

Call to Action

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