Wed Oct 30 10:00:00 UTC 2024: ## New CONADE Director Faces Herculean Task as Mexican Sport Struggles

**Mexico City -** The arrival of a new administration in Mexico has brought about a change at the helm of the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sports (CONADE), with former Olympic diver Rommel Pacheco taking over from Ana Gabriela Guevara. However, Pacheco faces an uphill battle as he inherits a sports system plagued by underfunding, mismanagement, and lack of direction.

“Mexico is experiencing its worst sporting moment in history,” says sports commentator Juan Gabriel Valdez Álvarez. “There is no real support for athletes, and the government seems to prioritize returning stolen money to the people instead of investing in sport.”

Guevara, who has faced criticism for her handling of CONADE, is reportedly resisting leaving her post despite the appointment of a new director. This leaves Pacheco with the daunting task of navigating a legacy of mismanagement and inspiring a new generation of athletes.

With the Paris 2024 Olympics looming, Pacheco has a challenging goal of securing at least five medals, a modest improvement on the four achieved at Tokyo 2021. He will need to quickly implement programs to address the critical needs of athletes, many of whom rely heavily on family and friends for support.

The issues extend beyond the national level. Local sports programs are also suffering, particularly in the city of Mexico City where a lack of investment and mismanagement have left athletes struggling. Calls for change are growing louder, with many demanding improvements to the local sports infrastructure.

“The outlook for athletes in Mexico is bleak,” concludes Valdez Álvarez. “It’s a difficult situation to navigate, with a lack of support from both the federal and municipal governments.”

As the new CONADE director embarks on his mission, he faces a daunting task in reversing years of neglect and restoring pride in Mexican sport.

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