Mexican rower Kenia Lechuga discusses the lack of media attention for rowing as a sport that revives its popularity every four years during the Olympics.
Kenia Lechuga, a renowned rower in Mexico, emphasizes the disparity in media attention received by sports like football and the often-overlooked sport of rowing. In Mexico, football and American football dominate the sports conversation, especially highlighted during major events like the Super Bowl, which garners millions of viewers. Other popular sports include basketball, baseball, boxing, motorsports, and wrestling, while sports featured in the Olympics, such as rowing, tend to fade from the limelight after the games conclude.
Rowing, although boasting over a century of history in Mexico, struggles for visibility. The first rowing association in Mexico was founded in 1913, marking the start of the sport's legacy in the country. Despite having a dedicated following during the Olympics, Lechuga points out that rowing often falls into obscurity between Olympic events, lacking consistent media coverage that could foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sport among the public.
The significance of the upcoming Olympic Games on August 24, 2024, is underscored as the Mexican rowing team, which includes athletes like Miguel Carballo, Marco Antonio Velázquez, José Navarro, and Rafael Mejía, aims to capture the nation's attention and pride. Lechuga’s reflections highlight the critical need for year-round promotion of less mainstream sports to build a sustainable fanbase and encourage more young athletes to pursue rowing, ultimately enriching Mexico's sports culture.
