To the beat of La Maza, Villalobos takes the podium

▲ The 20-year-old synchronized swimmer swam with grace and precision to secure third place in the technical solo event at the World Swimming Championships. Photo by AFP

From the Editorial Staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Sunday, July 20, 2025, p. 9

When Argentine singer-songwriter Mercedes Sosa performed La Maza in 1982, she never imagined that, decades later, the song written by Silvio Rodríguez would inspire a daring synchronist destined to transform the perception of artistic swimming in Mexico.

The symbolic song of Latin American pride accompanied Diego Villalobos 16,500 kilometers from home to the World Swimming Championships in Singapore. The 20-year-old from Jalisco danced with grace and precision in the water to win the bronze medal in the technical solo event.

This podium finish was achieved because we're not just a team, we're a family. We're very close and always together. My teammates are my sisters, and they supported me the whole time. It's very gratifying to feel their support. When you have that relationship, the work is easier , the Mexican told World Aquatics.

In his verses, La Maza speaks about commitment to identity and living a life of purpose; a concept that perfectly defines Diego's short but successful career; an athlete who began his career in conventional diving but ended up falling in love with artistic swimming, a discipline considered exclusively for women until a few years ago.

“If I didn’t believe in the scale, in the reason for equilibrium, if I didn’t believe in delirium, if I didn’t believe in hope…”

In his verses, Rodríguez defines the discipline and perseverance of the synchronizer. In five years, Villalobos has had to overcome prejudices and criticism to fulfill his dream of creating art in the pool. Yesterday, the tricolor achieved a score of 238.1600 points to join Russian Aleksandr Maltev, gold medalist (251.71.33), and Spaniard Dennis González, runner-up with 241.1667 on the podium.

Villalobos, the first men's swimmer to be part of the national team at an international competition, earned his fourth World Championship medal. He won silver in the mixed duet freestyle at Fukuoka 2023, and bronze in the mixed duet technical and mixed duet freestyle last year in Doha. He also has four medals at junior world competitions: three gold and one silver.

Only divers Osmar Olvera and Paola Espinosa have the same number of medals in this type of competition.

Villalobos joined the national team this year, and his incorporation not only brought technical changes but also a different dynamic. Although he's disciplined and responsible, he also takes a more relaxed approach. That's something I've learned. Sometimes you get so stressed, and he's helped me understand that it's okay to relax a little , Joana Jiménez told Olympics.com.

At the World Aquatics Championships Arena (WCH Arena), Villalobos presented a highly difficult routine and accumulated 29.7500 in artistic impression.

"I'm very happy with this result. It's my first world medal as a senior soloist, and it's a very emotional achievement for me. I swam with my heart and was able to enjoy every moment of this routine," Villalobos posted. He thanked his coach, Ofelia Pedrero, and offered an official dedication to the recently retired Mexican pioneer Joel Benavides, who also competed to the tunes of La Maza.

Tomorrow, the synchronizer will have the opportunity to add to his haul when he competes in the free solo event. He will also participate alongside Joana Jiménez in a mixed duet on July 23, seeking another medal for his personal record.

Villalobos' medal is Mexico's 36th in the World Aquatics Championships (20 gold, 14 silver, and two bronze).

From the Editorial Staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Sunday, July 20, 2025, p. 9

The Mexican U-14 team retained its title in the NFL Flag International Division Championship, held in Ohio, after defeating its Australian counterpart 19-12.

Alejandro González's team showed superiority from the first minutes and never let go of the lead.

"It's a very important achievement for my life and my future. This championship opens up many opportunities and is a great incentive. I really enjoyed being part of this team, and I dedicate the trophy to my family ," said catcher Pablo Gómez, who was recognized as the game's most valuable player.

The inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games has reinforced the sport's growth, as it is the most inclusive and accessible form of American football, practiced by people of all ages and genders, with women and girls leading its expansion.

The kids showed they have the heart of a champion. We've been working for years to get to this point and send the message that they should practice this sport because it's on the rise, and it's incredible to see young people succeed , González shared.

In the quarterfinals, Mexico defeated Germany 28-0, while in the semifinals they won 21-14 against Canada.

As the International Division champion, Mexico will play a friendly match with the winning team from Division B.

The NFL Flag Football Championship is considered the premier youth flag football tournament in the world, and this year featured participation from Mexico, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Puerto Rico.

The young tricolor players belong to the Monterrey Tornados team in Nuevo León, who won the 2025 NFL Flag Tochito Tournament last February, thereby securing their place in the international championship. The national team has two women in its ranks, as the regulation requires at least one female player.

Tochito is one of the fastest-growing sports, with more than 20 million players in over 100 countries.

NFL Mexico, in coordination with the League's various teams, will continue to promote the values of this sport, such as teamwork, respect, gender equality, and tolerance, stated Arturo Olivé, general director of the League in Mexico.

▲ “To be honest, I just wanted to experience the Tour, the greatest race in the world. Now, to win a stage on my first appearance is crazy,” said Thymen Arensman after crossing the finish line. Photo AP

Ap

La Jornada Newspaper, Sunday, July 20, 2025, p. a10

Superbagnères. Dutchman Thymen Arensman won the toughest stage of the Tour de France yesterday after a long solo effort on colossal climbs, while defending champion Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia extended his lead in the general classification.

Arensman, of the Ineos-Grenadiers team, achieved the most important victory of his career. After crossing the finish line in the dense fog that enveloped the Superbagnères ski resort, he lay exhausted on the ground with his head in his hands.

“To be honest, I just wanted to experience the Tour, the greatest race in the world. Now, to win a stage in my first race, and to do it this way, is incredible, crazy,” he said.

The getaway

He made a breakaway and went solo for approximately 37 kilometers to open up a comfortable lead before the finish. He began the final climb to Superbagnères, which is over 12 kilometers long, on his own and resisted the main contenders' attempts to charge back.

It was the second stage victory in an elite competition for Arensman, who previously won a stage in the 2022 Vuelta a España.

With Arensman not posing a threat to the overall standings, Pogacar and his UAE Team Emirates teammates controlled the race from the back, with the yellow jersey wearer and his main rival, Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma), around three minutes behind with eight kilometers remaining.

Vingegaard attempted a move with four kilometers to go, and Pogacar responded easily. The two rivals watched each other closely, and Arensman crossed the crest first, more than a minute ahead of the duo.

After winning the previous two stages in the Pyrenees, Pogacar settled for second place. He accelerated in the final section to gain more time on Vingegaard, who completed the stage podium.

We can be happy and satisfied with the Pyrenees. We had a great stage today, riding at our own pace all day , Pogacar said.

In the general classification, the Slovenian increased his lead over Vingegaard to four minutes and 13 seconds, followed by German Florian Lipowitz (third, 7:53 behind), after Belgian Remco Evenepoel retired.

Evenepoel, who was third overall, struggled from the start as the peloton faced another day of tricky climbs that have become part of Tour legend, including the Col du Tourmalet, the Col d'Aspin, the Col de Peyresourde, and Superbagnères.

Cyclists will emerge from the high mountains during a 169-kilometer ride from Muret to the medieval city of Carcassonne. Although the route might favor sprinters , the Côte de Saint-Ferréol and then the Pas du Sant, a 2.9-kilometer climb at 10 percent, could offer opportunities for daring challengers looking for a breakaway.

AP and AFP

La Jornada Newspaper, Sunday, July 20, 2025, p. a10

London. Jamaican Oblique Seville won the gold medal in the 100 meters at the Diamond League in London. He beat American Noah Lyles, who had not competed in that event since winning the Olympic gold medal last year, and had said on Friday that he was aiming to win with a time of 9.80.

But nothing went as planned for the American: he finished in 10.00 and was surpassed by Seville, who clearly won with 9.86.

That race was the most anticipated of the evening at the Olympic Stadium in the British capital, packed for the occasion with 60,000 spectators, on a cloudy day that was beginning to have rays of sunshine just as the sprint stars took to the track.

I wanted to win today, but at least I think it's my best start to the season , Lyles said at the finish line, happy at least to have been able to run pain-free after delaying his season start due to a hamstring injury.

The day was much happier for runner Julien Alfred, who was competing in the 200 meters, an event in which she is an Olympic runner-up and where, with 21.71 seconds, she became the ninth fastest in history in the half-lap of the track.

He broke his personal best, the meeting record, and set the world best of the year.

The London public, particularly passionate about athletics, was also able to enjoy the performances of Femke Bol (400m hurdles) and Emmanuel Wanyonyi (800m), who also achieved solid victories.

Wanyonyi achieved a new impressive time (1:42.00), overtaking Canadian Marco Arop (1:42.22) in the final metres.

Just as in Monaco, when he won in 1:41.44, London spectators briefly believed they were witnessing the shattering of the world record, achieved by Kenyan David Rudisha in 1:40.91 in that very London stadium in 2012.

In the 400m hurdles, Femke Bol won as expected, with 52 seconds and 11 hundredths, marking her 29th victory in as many 400m hurdles races in the Diamond League.

Another star present yesterday in London was Jamaican Kishane Thompson, Olympic 100m runner-up and fastest man in 2025 over that distance (9.75).

But Thompson didn't participate in the 100m individual race, but was there to participate with his Jamaican teammates in the 4x100m relay.

The Caribbean island won with a score of 37.80 and, above all, secured one of the last two spots for the World Championships in Tokyo, after failing to achieve that goal in May.

Another Jamaican victory was Wayne Pinnock, who won the long jump with 8.20 meters, one centimeter more than Olympic and world champion Miltiadis Tentoglou, who came in second with 8.19.

The Diamond League is now taking a break until the Silesian meeting in Poland on August 16.

From the Editorial Staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Sunday, July 20, 2025, p. a10

The German national team secured their place in the semifinals of the Women's European Championship after defeating France 6-5 on penalties yesterday in the quarterfinal match played at the Jakob-Park stadium in Basel, Switzerland.

After a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes of regular time, which went into extra time, the winner of the match had to be decided in a dramatic penalty shootout, where German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was the hero by saving the decisive shot from Frenchman Alice Sombath to give her team the victory.

In the next round, the German team will face world champions Spain next Wednesday in Zurich. Spain, who also eliminated host Switzerland by beating them 2-0 in their quarterfinal match last Friday.

Germany made things difficult for themselves from the start, after Kathrin Hendrich was sent off by referee Tess Olofsson in the 13th minute for pulling Griedge Mbock's hair in the penalty area.

Pull and penalty

The incident, which was reviewed by VAR, not only resulted in a red card for the German, but also a penalty awarded to the French. Grace Geyoro took the penalty, and with a powerful shot, she beat the German goalkeeper to make it 1-0 in the 15th minute.

The pleasure was short-lived for the French team, as only 10 minutes later (25), the German Sjoeke Nüsken headed in a corner kick to tie the score at 1-1.

In the remaining minutes, it looked like France would break the deadlock with goals from Delphine Cascarino and Grace Geyoro; however, both were disallowed.

Germany also had a chance to take the lead with a penalty taken by Nüsken, but she missed her shot past French goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin. With both teams failing to score, two 15-minute extra periods were required.

In extra time, the German goalkeeper saved her team with an excellent save, and in the penalty shootout, she scored one and saved shots from Amel Majri and Alice Sombath to seal their place in the semi-finals.

▲ Ángel Correa, Tigres' new signing, receives a powerful tackle from Colombian Moisés Mosquera yesterday during the Tigres' victory at the Universitario Stadium in Nuevo León. Photo: AFP

From the Editorial Staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Sunday, July 20, 2025, p. a11

Victories aren't just the product of plays that are right on the edge of the rules; they're also, and fundamentally, the result of the experience of a team's captain. Colombian James Rodríguez is the symbol of León, a world-class player who defines matches with the same leadership, interpretation, and individual talent he once displayed at Real Madrid. In the most tense moment at the old Nou Camp, the Panzas Verdes' number 10 scored from the spot to give Guadalajara a 1-0 lead, earning them all three points in the Liga MX.

Supported by his assistants at the VAR, referee Adonai Escobedo signaled contact by Erick Gutiérrez on Ettson Ayón when the latter attempted to evade him with a cut inside the penalty area. According to the video referee monitor, the Rebaño midfielder got in the way of the Esmeralda forward when he tried to clear the ball with his left foot. James immediately demanded the ball, played at times under pressure from hundreds of Atletico fans in the stands, and celebrated by watching them in silence, after deceiving goalkeeper Raúl Rangel with his shot (65).

El Rebaño couldn't shake off the image it left in previous seasons. In Argentine Gabriel Milito's debut in Mexican soccer, the main challenge in the Guadalajara attack was the speed of Mexican-American Cade Cowell, the only key striker ahead of Alan Pulido and Roberto Alvarado. The experienced Javier Chicharito Hernández, who was supposed to be the team's leader, was relegated to the bench along with other young players trying to consolidate their careers in the First Division.

Following the same principle that referee Escobedo awarded León's penalty, Milito and his team challenged an alleged push by Sebastián Santos Rosales on Hugo Camberos inside the home team's penalty area. Their protests, however, fell flat in the final minutes. Chivas had a last-minute chance from a set piece, but La Fiera's defenders multiplied their efforts to clear a ball off the line that seemed headed in the net. With that, James's 11-yard penalty proved worth it, securing their first victory.

In San Nicolás de los Garza, Tigres were far from a spectacle-filled host. A goal from Ozziel Herrera (67) and the expulsion of Portuguese midfielder Ricardinho were enough to defeat Bravos de Juárez 1-0 at the Universitario Stadium.

Despite the high expectations for the debut of Ángel Correa, Argentina's World Cup champion in Qatar 2022, the only joy for Argentina fans was their first home win in the 2025 Apertura, in addition to the return of André-Pierre Gignac.

Erendira Palma Hernández

La Jornada Newspaper, Sunday, July 20, 2025, p. a11

The arrival of Deneisha Blackwood and Aerial Chavarin, who shined yesterday with a hat trick, to Cruz Azul has been a success. Both have become the driving force behind the club, as demonstrated by their 4-0 win over Atlas and their first victory in the 2025 Liga MX Femenil Apertura tournament, a celebration they enjoyed at home.

The match also goes down as the first in tournament history to end five minutes before the scheduled time due to referee Priscila Pérez Borja considering the risk of a possible thunderstorm, as a couple of lightning bolts struck near the La Noria facilities.

Under the command of Diego Testas, the Celestes appear to be bouncing back after losing to América on the opening day of the season. They emerged victorious on Matchday 2 to earn their first three points, while the Guadalajara side took one.

Since last season, when they left Pumas to join Cruz Azul, Blackwood and Chavarin had already shown signs of their strong understanding of the game together. They had been stars with the felines, and the task was to replicate that potential with La Máquina.

The duel against Atlas was a test of confidence for the Celestes, who after losing to the Eagles now showed more risk in their offense.

However, they also made mistakes in both attack and defense. They even committed a handball, and Atlas sparked the first tense moment when their captain, Jaquelín García (25), failed to award a penalty.

La Máquina wouldn't allow any more scares and almost immediately turned the scoreboard. Attacks to reach the goal had been blocked by the red-and-black defense, so Aerial took a risk with a new strategy, unleashing a powerful shot from the edge of the box and scoring the first goal in the 31st minute. It was a stunning goal that the fans celebrated, as it relieved the anxiety caused by the previous errors.

▲ Aerial Chavarin led La Máquina to its first victory of the tournament, celebrating at home. Photo @AzulFemenil

A team move would then follow to increase the score. Guatemala's Ana Martínez outplayed her opponent on the left flank and found the perfect moment to send a cross to Jamaica's Blackwood (43), who only tapped the ball in to hit the net.

Aerial celebrated a second goal in the 65th minute amid controversy, sending a shot off the crossbar, leaving the score in doubt for a couple of seconds until the referee recognized it as a goal. The striker then connected with a header in the 76th minute to close out the game.

Both are very important players. Deneisha is more about building, while Aerial is more about finishing. It will be important for the team to support them. "Today it was important to get the points at home ," Testas noted.

At Nemesio Diez Stadium, Toluca, coached by Frenchman Patrice Lair, also celebrated their first victory in the tournament by beating Santos 1-0. The Scarlets won with a goal from American Michaela Abam (30) to reach four points, while the Guerreras only have one point.

Expectations for Toluca have been high this season following the arrival of Lair, who won two European Champions League titles with Olympique Lyonnais, and the signing of French striker Eugénie Le Sommer.