Ismael Hernandez Wins Bronze in Modern Pentathlon

On the evening of August 20th in Rio de Janeiro, it was unexpectedly announced that Ismael Hernandez had won a bronze medal in modern pentathlon. While Mexican attention was focused on taekwondo and diving, for Hernandez, the medal was not surprising. He had prepared for this moment.

"During this Olympic cycle, I reached physical maturity, I had no injuries, and I improved my performance in each of the events. In fencing, I developed new strategies to defeat my opponents. This year was one of improvement, and for me, the medal was not a surprise. It was the result of hard work from the beginning, and I was already thinking about the podium since the start of my preparation," declared Hernandez.

The pentathlete mentioned that he never felt pressured during the competitions and only focused on delivering what he promised before competing.

"I detached myself from the pressure and only said that I would give the competition of my life. I didn't hang the medal before time. Now, after achieving this medal, I don't feel a responsibility as such, but I feel great pride in being the spokesperson for my sport. I trust that more children will be interested in this sport so that pentathlon in our country can continue to grow," mentioned the athlete.

Hernandez had dreamed of an Olympic medal for 17 years, and despite facing many obstacles in his sports career during the London 2012 cycle.

"If my father has a great virtue, which is sometimes a flaw, it is that he likes to have control of the entire situation. He was the architect of this achievement. It all started eight years ago with the journey towards London, where I won silver in the Central American Games in Mayagüez 2010. Then, I had the unfortunate case of doping, which interrupted my cycle. I couldn't go to the Pan American Games in Guadalajara 2011, and when I sought qualification for the World Championship, I had a horse accident and couldn't qualify for London. After that, I was emotionally hurt, and one of the reasons I got up was that I had the full support of my family," he explained.

Ismael indicated that for now, he will enjoy the medal he has achieved, and then he will plan the process towards the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

"I want to take it step by step and enjoy this moment. Finally, after 17 years, I can say I made it and enjoy it until it sinks in. If I think about pushing myself to reach 2020, it's because I will truly have the desire to compete," he mentioned.

The athlete stated that the medal has not changed his way of being and thinking, and he will continue to be the same person.

"I am still the same person, with the same values and virtues. The only thing that has changed is the media attention, and I am happy about it because I am now a spokesperson for my sport, inspiring others with my story. I still can't believe it, and for me, it's a dream that I had for 17 years, and now it is tangible," he said.