Paralympic Hopefuls: Visually Impaired Judo athletes Target Los Angeles 2028
Mexican judokas Raúl Abraham Ortiz Carreón and Oscar Aguirre, both visually impaired, are setting their sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games after undergoing medical and technical evaluations. The athletes are also preparing for the upcoming IBSA Judo World Championships in Astana,Kazakhstan.
Jalisco Judokas Clear First Hurdle on Road to Paralympics
Raúl Abraham Ortiz Carreón and Oscar Aguirre, judokas specializing in competition for athletes wiht visual impairments, recently completed a series of evaluations at the CONADE (National Commission of Physical Culture and Sports) facilities in Villas Tlalpan, Mexico City, marking the official start of the journey toward the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games.
World Championships in Kazakhstan Next Challenge
Under the guidance of coach Julio César Hernández Vivanco in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Ortiz Carreón and Aguirre are focused on the IBSA Judo World Championships, scheduled for May 13-15, 2025, in Astana, Kazakhstan. The tournament is a key opportunity to accumulate points toward Paralympic qualification.
Ortiz Carreón: A Bronze Medalist eyes More Glory
Raúl Ortiz, competing in the J1 -81kg category, brings a wealth of experience to the mat, including a bronze medal from the 2019 Lima Parapan American Games. He sees the upcoming World Championships as vital for securing a spot in Los Angeles. “After the Paralympic Games, it is the next most important event, and it will award points towards Los Angeles 2028, so our objective is to start adding to our classification,” Ortiz said. He began his judo journey recreationally at age 13 and competitively at 16.
Aguirre Covarrubias Aims for Parapan American Qualification
Oscar Alberto Aguirre Covarrubias, competing in the J1 +95kg category, is equally determined to make his mark on the international stage.With 17 years of Judo experience, Aguirre is focused on accumulating points at the world Championships to secure qualification for the 2027 Lima Parapan American Games. Aguirre said,”I have been competing internationally for four years now… That motivates me for this new cycle”. He narrowly missed a bronze medal at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games.
What adaptations are made to the Judo rules to ensure fair competition for visually impaired athletes?
Paralympic Hopefuls: Visually Impaired Judo Athletes Target Los Angeles 2028 – Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What dose “visually impaired” mean in the context of Paralympic Judo?
A: In Paralympic Judo, athletes are classified based on their level of visual impairment, ranging from partially sighted to totally blind. The J1 category is for athletes with the most severe visual impairments, and J2 is for those with less severe impairments.
Q: What is the IBSA Judo World Championships, and why is it important?
A: IBSA stands for International Blind Sports Federation. The Judo world Championships is a major international competition for visually impaired judokas. It’s crucial because it’s a key opportunity for athletes to earn points toward qualifying for the paralympic Games.
Q: Where are the 2025 IBSA Judo World Championships being held?
A: The 2025 IBSA Judo World Championships will be held in Astana, kazakhstan.
Q: What are the J1 and J2 categories?
A: J1 and J2 categories determine what level of visual impairment an athlete has. J1 has the most severe visual impairment and J2 has less.
Q: What is the role of coach Julio César Hernández Vivanco?
A: Coach Julio César Hernández Vivanco provides guidance and training to Ortiz Carreón and Aguirre in guadalajara, jalisco.
Q: What are the Parapan American Games?
A: The Parapan American Games are the Pan American Games for athletes with disabilities.
Q: What is CONADE?
A: CONADE (National Commission of Physical culture and Sports) is a Mexican governmental organization that supports sports advancement and provides facilities like the one at Villas Tlalpan.
Q: What’s the significance of Raúl Ortiz Carreón’s bronze medal?
A: His bronze medal from the 2019 lima Parapan American Games demonstrates his competitive experience and highlights his potential for future success.
Q: How can I follow the progress of these athletes?
A: Keep an eye on the IBSA website and major sports news outlets for updates on the World Championships and the athletes’ journey to Los Angeles.
Q: Any engaging trivia about Paralympic judo?
A: Paralympic judo athletes begin the match with a grip, and the rules are adapted to accommodate visual impairments, such as the referee guiding the athletes back to the center of the mat.
Q: How can I support these athletes?
A: You can support these athletes by following their journey, sharing their stories, and cheering for them as they strive for greatness.
Cheer on Raúl Abraham Ortiz Carreón and Oscar Aguirre as they aim for Paralympic glory!
