Until recently, a DACA recipient who has consistently excelled in the 5000m at the World Championships for the last 2 years found himself confined by borders, needing permission just to compete overseas. Despite his talent and passion for running, his opportunities were limited to the confines of the place he has called home for the past 24 years.

This situation emerged after the International Olympic Committee suspended the Guatemalan Olympic Committee (COG) in 2022, consequently barring Guatemalan track and field athletes from Olympic participation. However, the recent announcement by the IOC signals a shift, lifting the ban. For Luis Grijalva, this announcement is nothing short of a blessing. With the barriers removed, he can now strive for his aspirations on the global stage, no longer bound by the limitations imposed by his immigration status.

Track and field star’s homecoming sparks Olympic revival in Guatemala

Chris Chavez recently shared a heartwarming update on X, highlighting Luis Grijalva’s long-awaited journey back to his homeland, Guatemala. After 23 years since his family moved to America, Luis seized the chance to return to Guatemala. His visit reached a pinnacle with a notable meeting with the country’s president and vice president, marking a profound homecoming for the gifted track and field runner.

Now the IOC has lifted the suspension imposed on the Guatemalan Olympic Committee. This decision makes the way for Guatemalan athletes to represent their nation at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. With this, Grijalva, who already boasts the Olympic standard in the 5000m event, is back to his dreams to participate in Paris.

His recent stellar performance, clocking a personal best and national record of 27:26.02 in the 10,000m race, further solidifies his position as a formidable contender in track and field Olympic games. Now, the question arises: what is the reason behind the suspension?

Guatemala’s dreams were shattered! Find out why

This punitive measure stems from a legal conflict precipitated by a lawsuit filed by a presidential candidate within the organization, resulting in the partial suspension of the COG’s governing statutes. Consequently, Guatemalan athletes found themselves sidelined from international competitions, devoid of the opportunity to proudly represent their nation under their flag and anthem since 2022.

Now that the ban is no more, Guatemala eagerly anticipates its return to the global sporting stage, with a diverse group of athletes set to represent the nation. Among them are Sebastian Bermudez in Shooting, Jose Alejandro Barrondo in Race Walking, Adriana Ruano also in Shooting, Andres Fernandez in Modern Pentathlon, Jean Pierre Brol in Shooting, Juan Ignacio Maegli in Sailing, Sophia Hernandez in Modern Pentathlon, Alberto Gonzalez in Marathon, and Waleska Soto in Shooting. As preparations intensify, Guatemala aims to bolster its contingent further, aiming to showcase its athletic prowess and national pride once again.

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