Guatemalan Badminton Prodigy Aims for Olympic Glory
Yeison del Cid Álvarez, a young badminton player from Santa Rosa de Lima, Guatemala, is driven by a passion sparked by a chance encounter and fueled by Olympic dreams. discovering the sport at age 10, he now dedicates himself to rigorous training with the goal of competing in the Olympics.
From Chance Encounter to Olympic Aspirations
Del Cid’s journey began unexpectedly. While running errands as a child, he saw children playing badminton in a park. Intrigued, he learned the sport from Professor Luis Gutiérrez, who had introduced badminton to Santa Rosa de Lima. Gutiérrez became a mentor, inspiring many young athletes like del Cid.
Inspired by Kevin Cordón’s Olympic Feats
Inspired by Guatemalan Olympian kevin Cordón’s performance at the 2016 Olympic Games, del Cid committed himself fully to badminton. He now trains tirelessly, driven by the ambition to represent his country on the Olympic stage.
Badminton’s Growth in Santa Rosa de Lima
professor Gutiérrez’s dedication played a pivotal role in popularizing badminton in Santa Rosa de Lima, fostering a new generation of athletes. Del Cid’s story exemplifies the impact of local initiatives in nurturing sporting talent.
Guatemalan badminton Star Yeison del Cid Sets Sights on 2028 Olympics
LA HABANA, Cuba — Yeison del Cid Álvarez, a 21-year-old badminton player from Guatemala, is setting his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after a string of international successes. Del Cid’s journey, fueled by unwavering family support, has seen him rise through the ranks of the sport, achieving notable milestones along the way.
Family Support Drives del Cid’s Badminton Dreams
For del Cid,family is the cornerstone of his athletic achievements. His parents, siblings, grandparents, and extended family provide constant motivation and unwavering support. He credits them with providing the emotional, moral, and material backing necessary to overcome challenges and strive for excellence in international badminton. his ultimate dream is to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and a major world championship, knowing his family will be there cheering him on.
Early Success and international Recognition
Del Cid’s 12-year badminton career boasts numerous accomplishments. His first major victory came at the Juegos Nacionales (National Games) in Quetzaltenango in 2016. Representing Santa Rosa, his performance earned him a coveted spot at the Federación Nacional de Bádminton de Guatemala (Guatemalan National Badminton Federation), marking a turning point in his career.
Medals in El Salvador, Dominican Republic, and Cuba
Since then, del Cid has consistently medaled in international events. Highlights include a silver medal at the Torneo Internacional Junior 2016 in El salvador, a bronze medal at the Juegos Panamericanos Junior 2022 in the Dominican Republic, and two silver and one bronze medal at the Juegos Centroamericanos y del Caribe 2023, also in El Salvador. Most recently, he secured a gold medal at the XXIII Torneo Internacional Giraldilla 2025 in La Habana, Cuba, defeating Kevin Cordón in a symbolic and emotional final. Del Cid had been preparing intensely for this tournament since January.
More Than Badminton: A Balanced Life
Outside of badminton, del Cid enjoys tranquility, connecting with nature, photography, and spending quality time with his family. Though, badminton remains his primary focus, shaping his life and propelling him onto the international stage.
Guatemalan Badminton Star Yeison del Cid Aims High at Pan American Youth Games
GUATEMALA CITY (AP) — Yeison del Cid, a rising star in Guatemalan badminton, is rigorously preparing for the upcoming pan American Youth Games in Paraguay this August, one of his biggest career goals to date.
From local Courts to International Competitions
Del Cid’s journey began as a pastime on the courts of Santa Rosa de Lima. In 2016, he was accepted into the National Badminton Federation of Guatemala, marking a pivotal moment where his passion transformed into professional training.
Demanding Training Regimen for Future Success
His acceptance into the Federation drastically altered his daily life, evolving from casual play to intensive training. Del Cid’s daily schedule includes rigorous training sessions in the morning and afternoon, balanced with academic studies, demanding immense discipline and perseverance.
Representing Guatemala on the global Stage
Throughout his career,del Cid has proudly represented Guatemala in approximately 16 countries,competing in tournaments in Cuba,el Salvador,Venezuela,the United States,Canada,France,Denmark,the dominican Republic,and Spain.
Eyes on the Prize: Central American and Pan American Games
Currently, del Cid is focused on preparing for the Central American Games in Guatemala in October 2025 and the Pan American Youth Games in Paraguay, which represents a significant opportunity to test his skills against top youth talent.
A Testament to dedication and Growth
With over a decade dedicated to badminton, del Cid embodies how perseverance and effort can transform a hobby into a promising career. He currently trains at the National Badminton Federation of Guatemala.
Guatemalan Badminton Player Yeison del Cid Driven by Rigorous Training and Unwavering Dedication
SANTA ROSA DE LIMA, Guatemala – Yeison del Cid, a rising badminton star from Guatemala, exemplifies dedication to his sport through a demanding training regimen and a resilient spirit in the face of challenges. His story reflects the burgeoning growth of badminton in Santa Rosa de Lima and throughout Guatemala.
inside Del Cid’s Grueling Badminton Training Schedule
Del Cid’s daily routine is a testament to his commitment.He adheres to a rigorous three-session training plan. The day commences at 7:00 a.m. and extends untill 10:00 a.m., followed by technical training from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.Del Cid concludes his day with a physical training session at the gym from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Overcoming Obstacles: Injury Setback and the Path to Success
The path to professional badminton has not been without its hurdles for del Cid. Beyond the necessary passion and talent, the sport demands strict discipline. A recent setback included a second-degree ankle sprain during training, which forced him to withdraw from a significant tournament in Mexico.
“It was frustrating because I had trained a lot for that competition,” del Cid said, reflecting on the injury. “The day before the trip, I got injured in practice and had to accept that I could not compete.”
From Local Courts to National Federation: A Journey of Adaptation
Del Cid’s evolution as an athlete is marked by constant adaptation and learning. He transitioned from playing casually in Santa Rosa de Lima to training with the National Badminton Federation of Guatemala, a shift that demanded significant adjustments. Before joining the Federation,his time was more flexible,and badminton was practiced more casually. At the high-performance level, however, the training schedule is strictly defined, with greater physical and mental demands.
“At first, it was a great challenge to adapt; in the Federation, every day counts, every training session is crucial to improve my level,” del Cid noted.
Del Cid’s journey showcases the dedication required to excel in competitive badminton and his commitment to overcoming obstacles in pursuit of his athletic dreams.
Guatemalan badminton Star Yeison del Cid Aims for Olympic Glory
Guatemalan badminton player Yeison del Cid is setting his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, driven by a passion for the sport and a desire to inspire youth in his community.
A badminton Prodigy’s Journey
Del Cid, a native of santa Rosa de Lima, Guatemala, has amassed an impressive collection of around 500 medals from national and international competitions. despite his accomplishments, he aims to elevate the recognition of badminton in his country.
Central American Games Success
One of del Cid’s most cherished memories is his participation in the 2023 central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador. There, he distinguished himself by winning a silver medal in singles, a bronze in doubles, and another silver in the team event.
Family Support and Motivation
The 2023 tournament was particularly special as it allowed del Cid to reunite with his parents, Edgar del Cid and Melany Álvarez, who live in the United States, after nine years apart.He credits his parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives, and girlfriend for their unwavering support and motivation throughout his career, providing encouragement through calls, messages, and video calls.
Inspiring the next generation
Del Cid emphasizes that badminton,while sometimes overlooked,offers significant opportunities and health benefits.He advocates for youth to engage in sports and avoid harmful habits and highlights the availability of sports like basketball, soccer, and badminton in Santa Rosa de Lima.
Santa Rosa de Lima: A Badminton hotbed
Santa Rosa de Lima has become a breeding ground for badminton talent, thanks to the efforts of coaches like Luis Gutiérrez, who introduced the sport to the municipality.
Guatemalan Table Tennis Player Sets Sights on 2028 Olympics
Yeison del Cid, a 21-year-old table tennis player from Santa Rosa de Lima, Guatemala, is training to represent his country at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. His dedication and rigorous training regimen underscores his commitment to achieving this enterprising goal.
Driven by Olympic Dream, Yeison del Cid Inspires a Generation
Del cid’s journey is characterized by relentless hard work, both physically and mentally. He finds motivation in the support from his family, the municipality, and the local community. He is also inspiring children to pursue the sport.
From Santa Rosa de Lima to the World Stage: Del Cid’s Path to the Olympics
Del Cid’s story is not just about tournaments and medals, but of perseverance, long hours of work, and challenges faced with courage. With his racket in hand and a heart full of hope, he aims to show that with passion, effort, and family support, dreams can become achievable goals. His journey involves constant physical and mental training, as well as personal sacrifices.
Beyond Kevin Cordón, are there any other athletes (badminton or or else) who serve as role models for yeison, and what specific qualities does he admire in them?
Guatemalan Badminton Prodigy Yeison del Cid: Q&A
Get to know Guatemalan badminton star Yeison del Cid and his journey to Olympic glory!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Yeison del Cid?
Yeison del Cid is a 21-year-old badminton player from Santa Rosa de Lima, Guatemala, aiming to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He’s known for his dedication, rigorous training, and notable medal collection.
How did Yeison get started in badminton?
Yeison’s badminton journey began at age 10 when he was intrigued by children playing in a park. He learned the sport from professor Luis Gutiérrez, who introduced badminton to Santa Rosa de Lima. Gutiérrez became a mentor.
What are his biggest achievements so far?
Yeison has achieved numerous accomplishments, including a gold medal at the XXIII Torneo Internacional Giraldilla 2025 in Cuba, silver medals at the Central American and Caribbean Games, and medals in El Salvador and the Dominican Republic. He also won the juegos Nacionales in 2016.
what is his training regimen like?
Del Cid’s training is intense! He follows a rigorous three-session plan that includes morning training, technical sessions in the afternoon, and physical training at the gym.
Who inspires him?
Yeison is inspired by Kevin Cordón, a Guatemalan Olympian, and his family, who provide unwavering support.He also credits local coaches and the community for their encouragement.
What is Santa Rosa de Lima’s role in his success?
Santa rosa de Lima has become a badminton hotbed thanks to the efforts of coaches like Luis Gutiérrez. The community has fostered a supportive environment for the sport. His early training began there, and he was inspired by seeing badminton played.
What are his goals beyond the Olympics?
Yeison aims to elevate the recognition of badminton in Guatemala and inspire the next generation of athletes to pursue their dreams. He also strives for success at major world championships. He is also focused on the Central American and Pan American Games currently.
What does he do outside of badminton?
Besides badminton, Yeison enjoys connecting with nature, photography, and spending time with his family.
Did You Know?
- Badminton is a fast-paced sport that requires unbelievable agility, stamina, and strategic thinking.
- Yeison’s journey showcases the power of local initiatives in nurturing sporting talent.
- His dedication, despite setbacks like an ankle sprain, is a testament to his commitment!
Follow Yeison del Cid’s journey and cheer him on as he strives for Olympic glory and inspires the next generation!
