Mexico Shooting Team Makes Strong Start at 2024 ISSF World Cup
Published June 12, 2024 | Updated June 12, 2024
Mexico’s shooting team has secured a competitive early lead at the 2024 ISSF World Cup in Osijek, Croatia, with three athletes placing in the top 10 across pistol and rifle disciplines. Their performances—including a top-five finish in the women’s 10m air pistol—could strengthen their bid for Olympic qualification ahead of next year’s Paris Games.
Three Mexican Shooters Advance to Finals in First Two Days
In their opening matches at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup, Mexico’s delegation delivered its strongest results of the year. According to official ISSF standings, the team’s top performers included:
- Jazmín Valdez (Women’s 10m Air Pistol) – Qualified for the final in fifth place with a score of 242.9 points, just 0.3 points behind the bronze medalist.
- Daniel López (Men’s 10m Air Rifle) – Advanced to the final in seventh place, matching his personal best from last year’s World Championships.
- Alejandra Zavala (Women’s 50m Rifle Prone) – Secured a top-10 spot in her event, finishing ninth with a score of 628.3.
Valdez’s performance in the air pistol was particularly notable, as she became the first Mexican shooter to qualify for a World Cup final in this discipline since 2019. “The pressure was high, but the team’s preparation paid off,” Valdez told reporters after her qualification round. “We knew we had to shoot clean, and today we did.”
Why This Matters for Mexico’s Olympic Qualification Push
With the 2024 Paris Olympics now less than 18 months away, Mexico’s shooting federation has set qualification as its primary goal. The ISSF World Cup in Osijek serves as a critical qualifying pathway, with the top finishers earning points toward Olympic berths.
According to the ISSF Olympic qualification rules, Mexico currently holds two guaranteed spots in rifle events and one in pistol. However, additional berths are up for grabs in mixed-team competitions, where Mexico has historically struggled. This week’s results suggest the team may be closing that gap.
Juan Carlos Hernández, Mexico’s shooting federation technical director, emphasized the importance of consistency. “These results show we’re on the right track,” Hernández said. “But we need to maintain this level at the next World Cup in Changwon, South Korea, to secure our spots.”
How Mexico Compares to Regional Rivals in Shooting
Mexico’s early success puts it in a stronger position relative to other Latin American nations competing for Olympic spots. According to current ISSF rankings, the top three Latin American teams in qualification standings are:
| Team | Current Points | Qualified Spots | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 1,245 | 4 (3 rifle, 1 pistol) | Strong in rifle disciplines; multiple medalists in recent Pan Am Games |
| Colombia | 987 | 2 (both rifle) | Rising stars in prone and three-position rifle events |
| Mexico | 872 | 3 (2 rifle, 1 pistol) | Consistent pistol performances; improving in team events |
While Brazil maintains a slight lead, Mexico’s pistol results—particularly Valdez’s—could help the team surpass Colombia in the coming months. “The pistol events are where we’ve seen the most progress,” said Hernández. “If we can replicate that in Changwon, we’ll be in a strong position.”
What’s Next for Mexico at the ISSF World Cup
The competition in Osijek continues through June 16, with Mexico’s remaining athletes set to compete in:
- June 13 – Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol (Daniel López, returning from his rifle event)
- June 14 – Women’s 25m Sport Pistol (Jazmín Valdez)
- June 15 – Mixed Team 10m Air Rifle (Alejandra Zavala & Daniel López)
The mixed team event is particularly crucial, as Mexico has not yet secured a spot in this discipline. “This is our best chance to add another qualification point,” said Hernández. “The team has been training specifically for this format.”
Key details:
- Location: Osijek Shooting Center, Croatia (UTC+2)
- Next major competition: ISSF World Cup Changwon, South Korea (August 19–31, 2024)
- Olympic qualification deadline: April 1, 2025
How to Follow Mexico’s Shooting Team
For real-time updates on Mexico’s performances, follow these official channels:
- ISSF World Cup Live Results – Official standings and schedules
- Federación Mexicana de Deporte – Team updates and press releases
- ISSF Twitter – Breaking news and highlights
Fans can also watch select events live via ISSF’s official broadcast partners, including Eurosport and DAZN in select regions.
What This Means for Mexico’s Olympic Hopes
Mexico’s early success in Osijek is a promising sign, but the road to Paris remains competitive. With Brazil and Colombia also pushing for additional spots, consistency in the next two World Cup stages will be key. The team’s next major test comes in August, where every point will matter.
As Hernández put it: “We’re not just competing for medals—we’re competing for our future in Paris. Every shot counts.”
Next checkpoint: ISSF World Cup Changwon, South Korea (August 19–31, 2024).
What do you think of Mexico’s chances? Share your predictions in the comments below.
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