#NACAC

[traumasurvivorshelpingsurvivors]

tw poverty, unhealthy eating behavior, abuse

Hey, do you have any resources on how to battle fear of access of food? I grew up very poor and we didn't have food around all the time. And occasionally my mom would buy sweets for herself, instead of food for both of us, and I wasn't allowed to touch those sweets.

At some point when I was 15, we stopped being too poor for food, and I have now moved out but my behavior hasn't stopped. If I have sweets at home, I'll eat them right away, because I subconsciously fear, it'll be away if I don't hurry. They won't be there later, if I put them away. I always eat dessert first, when I go out eating. I don't have trust in food not being taken away. When eating with my boyfriend, I am always afraid, he'll put less on my plate than on his. Which is so irrational, because I always eat less and give him my rest. But when I do this, I feel like "I had a choice, I was in control". And when he puts less food on my plate because "you'll eat less anyways" I get angry.

If I try to not eat the dessert first or not to eat the sweets right away, I feel like treating myself badly, continuing the abuse, in a way. "You don't allow yourself sweets, just like your mother did".

I don't know what to do, but I really don't want to kill all sweets in sight all the time.

Hi anon,

I'm really sorry to hear about what you've been through and are going through. I can understand how your experience growing up poor has led to the urge to eat food right away, and I can also see how your mom's relationship with sweets has caused you to develop an unhealthy relationship with them as well.

Please know that it makes sense to feel possessive over your food, especially having come from a situation where food was scarce or even withheld from you. You deserve to have a partner who is mindful of your experiences and how they have shaped your relationship with food, and who is willing to collaborate with you to make sure you feel you have the amount of food you want.

I did some digging and found the term food insecurity, which is "not being able to count on being fed either in quantity or in a reliable and responsive manner." This resource explains that when people "are not fed reliably, have to compete for food, or do not get enough food, this leads to an anxious relationship and even a preoccupation with food." This can lead to something called food hoarding, which can mean:

Eating quickly, gobbling or stuffing food

Sneaking or hiding food

Not eating at mealtimes but eating secretly or alone

Eating large quantities

Becoming upset if someone eats off their plate or shared bowls

Getting upset if food is limited or taken away

Eating faster if asked to slow down

Eating only familiar and “safe” foods

The NACAC's article mentions that the idea of stashing food can be an effective and healthy coping mechanism for some as it can provide some peace of mind, but it may not be helpful for everyone and can also reinforce that anxiety, as opposed to ensuring consistent meals instead.

The article also discusses an example of sugar anxiety, where an 8 year old Yasmeen's parents prevented her from having any kind of sugar, so she would eat sugar straight from the bowl at a friend's house. It seemed like what worked for her was allowing her to have a treat once a day, and to remind her that any specific food isn't necessarily good or bad, it's neutral.

I think it's important to remember that even if dessert is not eaten first, it doesn't necessarily mean that you're denying yourself the dessert - you'll still eat it, just not right away. But I can understand that it's not that simple. This could be worth exploring further with the help of a mental health professional such as a therapist, if you can access or afford it.

I hope I could help provide some insight into your situation. Please know that we're here if you need anything.

-Bun

[lboogie1906]

Mark Jerrold Henry (June 12, 1971) was borb in Silsbee, Texas. He will become a powerlifter, Olympic weightlifter, strongman, and retired professional wrestler, who will be signed to WWE under a Legends contract. He will work backstage as a producer. He will be a two-time Olympian and a gold, silver, and bronze medalist at the Pan American Games. As a powerlifter, he will be the WDFPF World Champion and a two-time US National Champion as well as an all-time raw world record holder in the squat and deadlift. To date, he holds the WDFPF world records in the squat, deadlift, and total, and the USAPL American record in the deadlift since. He will be credited for the biggest raw squat and raw powerlifting total ever performed by a drug-tested athlete, regardless of weight class, as well as the greatest raw deadlift by an American citizen.

He will be a three-time U.S. National Weightlifting Champion, an American Open winner, a two-time U.S. Olympic Festival Champion, and a NACAC champion. He will hold all three Senior US American weightlifting records.

He will win the first annual Arnold Strongman Classic. Since joining the World Wrestling Federation, he has become a one-time WWF European Champion and a two-time world champion, having held the ECW Championship and WWE’s World Heavyweight Championship. He would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[ghost-biird]

Love Tuesdays and Thursdays because I always get a long ass NACAC newsletter in my inbox that I can spend allllll morning reading

[eliteprepsat]

16 Factors in College Admission Decisions

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) survey, conducted in fall 2023, examines 16 factors influencing college admission decisions, including academic coursework and grades, test scores, application essays, recommendation letters, and students’ “demonstrated interest” in attending the college or university. This comprehensive review provides insight into what colleges prioritize in applicants and offers valuable guidance for high school students and their parents. 

A total of 185 four-year institutions of higher learning responded to the survey, and respondents were asked to indicate the level of importance for each factor as follows:

Considerable Importance

Moderate Importance

Limited Importance

No Importance

The 16 factors are listed below in the order of percentage of colleges attributing either “Considerable Importance” or “Moderate Importance” in descending order. Combining the percentage of colleges attributing either “Considerable Importance” or “Moderate Importance” to these factors provides a more nuanced view of what colleges really look for in college applications:

1. Grades in All Courses

Considerable Importance: 74.1%

Moderate Importance: 18.9%

Considerable and Moderate Importance (combined): 93.0%

Grades provide a baseline indicator of academic achievement and diligence, making them a crucial element in applications. Consistent high performance across all subjects demonstrates a strong work ethic and ability to handle college-level work.

2. Grades in College Prep Courses

Considerable Importance: 76.8%

Moderate Importance: 15.1%

Considerable and Moderate Importance (combined): 91.9%

Colleges place extra value on grades in advanced classes, such as honors or AP courses. These grades indicate a readiness for challenging material and an ability to succeed in demanding courses, a critical factor in admissions. Students looking to boost their GPA in college prep courses should consider enrolling in UC-approved honors and AP courses at Elite Open School.

3. Strength of Curriculum

Considerable Importance: 63.8%

Moderate Importance: 22.7%

Considerable and Moderate Importance (combined): 86.5%

Admissions officers assess the rigor of a student’s curriculum to gauge academic ambition. A strong curriculum with advanced courses signals a willingness to challenge oneself academically, reflecting well on the student’s college preparedness. Colleges assess the strength of a student’s curriculum in the context of the courses available, but students who want to take additional honors and AP courses to strengthen their academic profile while exploring or deepening their interest in a particular subject can do so by enrolling in UC-approved honors and AP courses at Elite Open School.

4. Positive Character Attributes

Considerable Importance: 28.3%

Moderate Importance: 37.5%

Considerable and Moderate Importance (combined): 65.8%

Attributes like resilience, empathy, and integrity are valued by colleges. Through essays, interviews, and recommendations (which are other factors in the admission decision), admissions officers assess these traits to predict how students might contribute to and thrive in their community.

5. Essays or Writing Samples

Considerable Importance: 18.9%

Moderate Importance: 37.3%

Considerable and Moderate Importance (combined): 56.2%

Essays allow students to showcase their individuality, writing skills, and critical thinking. A compelling essay can differentiate an applicant by conveying unique life experiences, values, or insights.

6. Counselor Recommendation

Considerable Importance: 11.9%

Moderate Importance: 40.0%

Considerable and Moderate Importance (combined): 51.9%

Counselors provide an overview of the student’s academic journey and personal growth, offering context on achievements and potential. Strong recommendations affirm the student’s readiness for college. Counselors also provide colleges with information about the courses and grading system offered at their high schools and provide context for how a particular student ranks when compared to other students from the same high school.

7. Teacher Recommendation

Considerable Importance: 10.8%

Moderate Importance: 40.5%

Considerable and Moderate Importance (combined): 51.3%

Teachers can attest to a student’s strengths in specific academic subjects. A recommendation from a teacher can also highlight qualities like perseverance, curiosity, and engagement, which are essential to college success. Colleges want to understand how a student is in the classroom environment–for example, does the student participate in classroom discussion, respond well to challenges, lead class projects, or help other students in the class? As a result, students should select teachers who know them well and can speak about the positive impact and contributions they have made in the classroom. Keep in mind that developing relationships with teachers takes time and effort, and students should approach their classes with curiosity and interest.

8. Extracurricular Activities

Considerable Importance: 6.5%

Moderate Importance: 44.3%

Considerable and Moderate Importance (combined): 50.8%

Extracurriculars reflect a student’s passions, leadership skills, and ability to contribute to campus life both in high school and in college. Colleges seek students who not only demonstrate commitment and growth through sports, arts, clubs, or volunteer work but also intend to continue their involvement in these activities in college.

9. Student’s Demonstrated Interest

Considerable Importance: 15.7%

Moderate Importance: 27.6%

Considerable and Moderate Importance (combined): 43.3%

Many colleges track demonstrated interest through campus visits, contact with admissions officers, or engagement with virtual events. Some colleges even track if a student opens email messages from the college and how much time a student spends on the college website These efforts made by students to engage with the college proactively are a factor in the admission decision because they show the student is genuinely interested and committed to attending. Also, applying under a binding early decision process is one of the most effective ways to convey a student’s commitment to attending a college, and many colleges respond positively by admitting students who apply early decision at a higher rate than those who apply under regular decision.

10. Work Experience

Considerable Importance: 2.2%

Moderate Importance: 30.8%

Considerable and Moderate Importance (combined): 33.0%

Work experience can demonstrate responsibility, time management, and other professional skills. For students balancing work with school, it signals maturity and resilience, both attractive traits in college candidates.

11. Admission Test Scores (SAT, ACT)

Considerable Importance: 4.9

Moderate Importance: 25.4

Considerable and Moderate Importance (combined): 30.3

While many institutions are test-optional, strong SAT or ACT scores can still enhance an application, especially in competitive contexts or scholarship considerations. High scores demonstrate aptitude in core subjects like math and reading. Elite Prep advises students to take a practice test to gauge if they will be able to achieve a score that is within the range of applicants accepted to the colleges and universities they are interested in applying to and spend time in the months leading up to the target test date to prepare. Many students take the SAT or ACT in the fall or spring of their junior year and again in the fall of their senior year of high school, if necessary.

12. Class Rank

Considerable Importance: 5.5%

Moderate Importance: 22.4%

Considerable and Moderate Importance (combined): 27.9%

Class rank provides a measure of a student’s academic standing in relation to their peers. A high rank signals strong academic performance in a competitive environment, though not all schools report this data.

13. Subject Test Scores (e.g., AP, IB exams)

Considerable Importance: 1.1%

Moderate Importance: 22.2%

Considerable and Moderate Importance (combined): 23.3%

Colleges may not put “Considerable Importance” on AP and IB exam scores because they recognize that not all students have access to these advanced-level courses or the ability to pay for the exam fees. Nevertheless, high scores on subject tests can validate a student’s academic expertise and commitment to advanced study in specific areas, particularly for students applying to specialized or competitive programs. 

14. Portfolio

Considerable Importance: 4.9%

Moderate Importance: 10.8%

Considerable and Moderate Importance (combined): 15.7%

For students applying to visual and performing arts programs, a portfolio demonstrates creativity, technical skill, and artistic expression. A well-curated portfolio can set an applicant apart by showcasing their unique talents. Many colleges and universities also accept optional portfolios from students who are NOT applying to a program requiring a portfolio, and students who submit a portfolio can stand out from the crowd by showcasing their talents and skills.

15. Interview

Considerable Importance: 4.3%

Moderate Importance: 8.6%

Considerable and Moderate Importance (combined): 12.9%

Interviews allow admissions officers to assess an applicant’s interpersonal skills, maturity, and alignment with the college’s culture. A successful interview often enhances a student’s profile by offering a more personal connection. Many colleges offer the opportunity for students to interview with college admission officers or alumni (individuals who graduated from the college and now volunteer their time to help their alma mater speak with applicants), and while interviews are generally not required, students are advised to take advantage of the opportunity to make a good impression and discuss their interests and how they will contribute to the college community through the college interview.

16. State Graduation Exam Scores

Considerable Importance: 1.6%

Moderate Importance: 6.5%

Considerable and Moderate Importance (combined): 8.1%

Some colleges consider results from applicants’ state graduation exams as a part of the admission decision process. However, since state graduation exam scores tend to reflect mastery of high school subjects rather than readiness for college-level studies, these scores are not widely used by most colleges.

Final Thoughts

Colleges consider a wide range of factors when deciding whether or not to admit prospective students; however, colleges do not all consider the same factors during the application review process.

At very large public universities, some admission decisions may be made solely based on quantitative measures, like grades, the number of honors and AP courses taken, and test scores.

Highly selective public and private universities (like the Ivy League universities and most of the University of California campuses) admit a low percentage of applicants and receive tens of thousands of applications from students who are strong academically. These colleges look to qualitative factors, such as counselor and teacher recommendation letters, personal statements, and extracurricular activities, to assess how an applicant will fit in with and contribute to the campus community.

Smaller liberal arts colleges, where the entire student body is less than 3,000 students, similarly look to these qualitative factors as they build their class of students interested in attending a college with a close-knit community. Furthermore, these colleges may put more weight on an applicant’s interest in attending their institution as demonstrated by their proactive engagement with the outreach efforts made by the college admission office.

The 2023 NACAC survey provides a holistic view of college admissions, covering academic, personal, and extracurricular qualities. By addressing these factors strategically, students can enhance their applications and increase their chances of admission. Understanding these criteria empowers students to present a well-rounded application that reflects their potential and readiness for college life. 

For more information on these factors, visit theNACAC website.

[izatrini]

Cole to Represent Trinidad and Tobago at U23 NACAC Championships - DePaul Blue Demons

Cole to Represent Trinidad and Tobago at U23 NACAC Championships  DePaul Blue Demons http://dlvr.it/T3s5h7

[jamaicansdotcom]

VIDEO: Jamaica’s Briana Williams Can’t Be Beat In U18! Watch Her Dominate at the 2019 NACAC U18 Championships to win the gold http://dlvr.it/T3fxFV

[sportsgr8]

Olympic, World Champion Pole Vaulter Katie Moon Become Ambassador For Mumbai Marathon 2024

World Champion Pole Vaulter Katie: Two-time pole vault World Champion and 2020 Olympic gold medalist Katie Moon is the International Event Ambassador for the 19th edition of the Mumbai Marathon to be held January 21. Promoted by Procam Global, Mumbai Marathon is a World Athletics Gold Label Race. It is one of the top 10 marathons in the world. With a prize money of USD 405,000, Mumbai Marathon 2024 will witness participation from across the globe. "While running the race of life, every step is an opportunity to inspire and make a difference. I am deeply honoured to be named the International Event Ambassador for Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024, where each stride carries the spirit of resilience, determination, and community. I look forward to inspiring and being inspired by the incredible participants as we come together to celebrate the power of human potential and the pursuit of excellence. Let's lace up Mumbai, and run towards a healthier, and happier future!" Katie said. The solo Olympic medalist, Katie, has clinched three medals at the World Athletics Championships: a silver in the 2022 World Indoor Championships in Belgrade, and a gold medal at the 2022 Eugene and 2023 Budapest World Athletics Championships. In 2023, she also won the top slot in the Diamond League. Katie hit a streak with two medals in 2018 alone: a gold at the Toronto NACAC Championship and a silver in the London Athletics World Cup. In the consecutive year, she pocketed a silver in the 2019 Lima Pan American Games. In her early childhood, she competed as a level 4 gymnast and diver, while in pole vaulting, she graduated with a state record of 3.97 m (13 ft 0 in). "We are thrilled to welcome Katie Moon to our Tata Mumbai Marathon family as the esteemed International Event Ambassador. With her unparalleled sporting spirit, competitiveness, passion for excellence, and dedication to making a positive impact, we're confident she'll inspire countless others to join us on this incredible journey!" Vivek Singh, Jt MD, Procam International said. Read the full article

[gobqro]

Queretanas suben al podio en jornada sabatina de NACAC

Continúan las actividades del Campeonato de Norte, Centroamérica y el Caribe de Atletismo (NACAC) Sub 18 y Sub 23, 2019 en las instalaciones del Parque Querétaro 2000. En salto con garrocha sub 18, las queretanas: Adriana Arellano y Escarlett García se adjudicaron el oro y la plata, ya que realizaron una marca de 3,70 metros y 3,40 metros, respectivamente.

Otra queretana que subió al podio y recibió su bronce en la sesión matutina fue Silvia Guerrero, al registrar 3,80 metros en salto con garrocha sub 23. Estados Unidos hizo el 1-2 en esta prueba con Alina MacDonald (4,30 metros) y Sophia Franklin (3,90 metros). Uno de los momento más memorables del sábado, fue el oro que consiguió el mexicano Luis Antonio Avilés al parar los cronómetros en 46,36 en los 400 metros planos sub 18; seguido por Kyle Gale de Barbados con 47,34 y Deandre Watkin de Jamaica con 47,63.

Destacaron los mexicanos Roberto Márquez y Eduardo Cortéz al subir al podio en primero y segundo lugar, respectivamente, con un tiempo de 6:14,67 y 6:21,62 en los 2000 metros con obstáculos sub 18. El atleta de Costa Rica, Brandon Barrantes se llevó el bronce con 6:21,70. La marcha dio muchas satisfacciones a la delegación mexicana porque en los 10000 metros sub 18, César Córdova hizo un tiempo de 43:09,45 para colgarse el metal dorado; mientras Cristhian Juárez ganó la plata con 44:43,75. Eduard Arias de Costa Rica completó el podio con 45:49,24.

En esta misma prueba, pero categoría sub 23 el mexicano Gustavo Solís se impuso con 42:09,49; mientras que su compatriota Saúl Mena se quedó en el tercer lugar con 44:03,54. José Calel de Guatemala se ubicó en el segundo escalón al finalizar la prueba en 42:55,27. México también tuvo ganadoras en lanzamiento de jabalina 500 grs. Sub 18, debido a que Xochitl Montoya y Paulina Cazares ganaron oro y bronce con un registro de 48,53 metros, y 45,26 metros.

En impulso de bala 5kg. sub 18, José Olmos y Jairo Espinosa ganaron plata y bronce para el seleccionado mexicano, gracias a la marca de 18,07 metros, y 17,57 metros. En la sesión vespertina, Ximena Esquivel de Querétaro se adjudicó la medalla de plata en salto de altura sub 23 con 1,87 metros, misma marca que la estadounidense Nicole Greene se quedó con el oro, sin embargo, el juez tuvo que tomar la decisión porque ambas atletas intentaron llegar a los 1,89 metros, pero ninguna lo logró. El bronce fue para Erinn Beattie de Estados Unidos. En salto triple sub 18, el metal de plata y bronce fue México porque  María Márquez y Natalia Jiménez marcaron 11,91 metros y 10,81metros, respectivamente.

[venturesacademy]

New body, who dis? Thanks to @ThePrincetonRev for the great professional headshot @NACAC #NACAC2021 in Seattle. Thanks to Christine for modeling our mascot head!

[neoscorpiox]

It was an absolute pleasure lending my College Advising Corps experience to the 2nd Annual Back to The Future College Prep Summit sponsored by @nbcchumble 🤙🏽 . . . . . #bettermakeroom #collegesigningday #reachhigher #college #michelleobama #education #highered #collegebound #collegeprep #students #highschool #completecollegeamerica #collegehelp #collegeadmissions #educationiskey #collegegoals #colleges #collegeadvisors #collegeparents #emchat #asca #counselors #nevergiveup #cpchat #sccrowd #profdev #edadmin #neverquit #gened #nacac (at Houston, Texas)

[letsgotocollege1-blog]

As a former college admissions officers and a current Independent College Counselor, I show you 5 things you should consider when picking a college or university but probably haven't thought of. 1) Alumni Networks 2) Career Services Offices 3) Other Majors You Might Be Interested In 4) Proximity to a Major City 5) Access to Opportunities

[lboogie1906]

Courtney Okolo (March 15, 1994) is a track and field sprinter who competes in the 400 meters. She starred at Carrollton (Texas) Newman Smith High School where she won multiple individual state championships.

In college, she ran for the Texas Longhorns. She was fourth in the 400 m at the 2013 NCAA Outdoor Championships, and the following year she completed an individual and relay double at the 2014 NCAA Outdoor Championships. She set a collegiate record in the 400 m that year when winning the Big 12 Outdoor Championships in 50.03 seconds. In April 2016, she broke her collegiate record, running 49.71 seconds at the LSU Alumni Gold Meet. She won consecutive titles in the women’s 400 m and 4 × 400 m relay at the 2015 NCAA Indoor Championships. In 2016 she won 400m and 4 × 400 m relay titles in both the Indoor and 2016 NCAA Outdoor Championships. After the season ended, she was awarded the Bowerman Award. She won the Honda Sports Award as the nation’s best woman track and field competitor in 2016.

Internationally she won both individual and relay events for the US at the 2013 Pan American Junior Athletics Championships and the 2015 NACAC Championships in Athletics. More gold came in the 4 × 400 m relay at the 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships and 2016 Olympic Games. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #womenshistorymonth

[greg75229]

Dr. Greg Rico is a seasoned college admission professional. He has helped thousands of students and their families over the past two decades. He is a member of the Texas Association for College Admission Counseling and the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

[eliteprepsat]

College campus visits are important for prospective college students for a number of reasons. For one, they demonstrate your interest in the schools to which you’re applying. Beyond this, they are useful in helping you and your family make the difficult decision of where you will invest your time, money, and efforts over the next four years of your life.

This is a big decision no doubt. When it comes to college visits, then, it’s no surprise that they can feel overwhelming. So here are 25 tips for how to have a great college visit that is smooth, informative, and even fun.

1. Visit during your junior year

It’s a good idea to visit a college campus or two in the few first years of high school (or even middle school). This can give you a feel early on for what the college experience is like and if it is for you. While this is certainly true, it is generally considered best to do the bulk of your campus visitations during your junior year. This is because much of your senior year will be spent working on actual college applications. So, getting your campus visits out of the way during junior year will leave you with plenty of time and energy to focus on those!

2. First, take virtual tours and/or attend a college fair

Before you even visit a college in person, narrow down your options by taking virtual campus tours online and, if possible, by attending a college fair. Of course, you can’t glean as much information from either of these experiences as you can from an in-person college visit. But you just might learn something about a school from either a virtual tour or college fair that could get it added to or taken off of your short list.

National College Fairs, for example, is a program of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). It hosts college fairs across the country every year, including performing and visual arts college fairs, STEM college fairs, and an international universities fair. These fairs are free, and they give students the opportunity to engage with representatives from an array of colleges and universities across the globe.

For a searchable list of this year’s National College Fairs, please see this page from the NACAC website.

3. Go on a practice run

Before you visit the colleges in which you are most interested, start by visiting a school as a sort of practice run. This can be a local school that you feel less invested in or a school that you do not intend on applying to at all. The idea here is that with less at stake, you can get your nerves out in this “dress rehearsal” and then be confident to tackle those schools that are on the top of your list!

4. Visit during the school year

Although colleges might be less crowded over spring or winter break and you might have a bit more freedom to explore, chances are that many campus buildings will be closed during this time and there will be fewer people around. So, be sure to visit college campuses while school is in session—when you can see as much as possible and chat with as many people as possible, really getting a more accurate sense of how that college operates on a daily basis.

🔖 Click here to read the rest of the article.

[izatrini]

Cole to Represent Trinidad and Tobago at U23 NACAC Championships - DePaul Blue Demons

Cole to Represent Trinidad and Tobago at U23 NACAC Championships  DePaul Blue Demons http://dlvr.it/T0Q5dn

[kuramirocket]

Luis Aviles Ferreiro has enjoyed a well-deserved month of holidays after his best season ever.

In 2021 he became Mexico’s second man to run 400m within 45 seconds en route to the silver medal at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi.

Fresh off his season-ending win at the inaugural Pan American Junior Games in Cali, Colombia, the 19-year-old reflects on a breakthrough 2021, improving his personal best by more than one second in the one-lap race.

“I am very happy and satisfied with my results this year,” says Aviles, who won the 400m in Cali in 45.59 before anchoring Mexico to bronze in the 4x400m with a 45.03 split. “This was a beautiful experience to be part of the first Pan American Junior Games. This is a great motivation to give my best in the upcoming events.”

The youngest of four siblings was born with no competitive sporting history in his family in his native Cuautla, Morelos. Like many Mexican children, he first practiced football. One day, his coach noticed his speed and suggested he tried running. Soon after, he found himself running 11.7 and 36.6 in 100m and 300m at the National Olympics.

Spotted by his current coach, he was invited at age 14 to join his team at the National High-Performance Centre in Mexico City, where he could pursue his studies and his athletics career.

His first international victory came a year later at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. Averaging the times of two 400m races (47.45 and 46.78), Aviles came on top and was rewarded with the gold medal.

“It was a great feeling to be alongside athletes from around the world,” says Aviles, who earlier that year had set a national U20 record of 46.04. “I have athletes from other countries I am still in contact with to this day. It took about a month for that victory to sink in.”

His rapid progression generated some concern at home with fears that his sporting career may be shortened. With that in mind, Aviles reduced his training volume and used 2019 as a transition year. He clocked 46.36 to take gold at the NACAC U18 Championships on home soil in Queretaro.

Motivation was high after his best season opener ever with 46.86 in February of 2020, but the pandemic hit and put his career on hold.

Then he opened 2021 with a clocking of 49.30 in February. Just three months later, he clocked 46.18 to win the senior national title. 

He first lowered his best to 45.63 the heats in Nairobi and then broke through the 45-second barrier in the final to take silver in 44.95, Mexico’s first ever medal in a running event at the World U20 Championships. His teammate Sofia Ramos Rodriguez had kick-started a glorious day for Mexico that morning with gold in the 10,000m race walk.

“I knew I was in 45-second shape, but I was really surprised to break 45 seconds in the final,” said Aviles. “It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we work hard. It was such a great boost to be in this 44-second zone.

“Sofia and I were the top medal contenders for our country in Nairobi,” he added. “She delivered in the morning and I followed later. We achieved our medals and continue to pursue our goals.”

Despite a temporary setback later in the season – he suffered a muscle tear in his left leg 25 days before travelling to Cali – Aviles took two weeks off and recovered in time for his season-ending 45.59 win at the continental event.

As he enjoys quality time with his girlfriend and family at home, Aviles has set his eyes on both senior World Championships this year, indoors and out.

“It will be a new experience for me running indoors, but it will be a good stepping stone towards Oregon, our main goal for 2022,” he says.

With his aim of starting university in March to study political science, Aviles wants to continue enjoying what does best and reach new goals in his young and promising career.