Alejandra Valencia Sets Sights on Los Angeles 2028: The Quest for Individual Gold

In the world of international archery, few figures loom as large as Alejandra Valencia. The Sonoran athlete has long been the face of Mexican archery, a constant presence on the podium across multiple Olympic cycles. But for Valencia, the collection of medals—while impressive—is not yet complete.

As the sports world begins to pivot toward the next chapter of the Olympic movement, Valencia has made her intentions clear: she is targeting the individual gold medal at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. It is a goal born from a history of being agonizingly close to the top step of the podium, having previously finished in fourth, fifth and sixth place in individual events.

“The goal is clear: To be in Los Angeles 2028,” Valencia stated in an interview with EL UNIVERSAL Deportes. “I want the individual medal, and that is what I work for every day.”

A Technical Evolution and New Leadership

Achieving individual gold requires more than just ambition; it requires a refinement of the smallest margins. Valencia is currently undergoing a period of technical adjustment, focusing on correcting specific details in her form to bridge the gap between a podium finish and the gold medal.

Central to this new phase is the arrival of Marc Dellenbach. The Swiss coach, brought in with support from the Mexican government agency Conade, is expected to be a pivotal figure in her preparation for the upcoming Olympic cycle. By integrating international coaching expertise, Valencia aims to evolve her game and maintain her competitive edge on the global stage.

This technical shift comes at a time when Valencia is too reflecting on the growth of the sport within her home country. She has expressed a sense of pride and celebration regarding the drive and momentum of the newer generations of archers in Mexico, seeing her own trajectory as a blueprint for those following in her footsteps.

A Legacy Defined by Consistency

To understand why Valencia is the undisputed reference point for archery in Mexico, one only needs to look at her medal count. Her career is a masterclass in consistency across different formats and competitions.

At the Olympic level, Valencia has secured two bronze medals: one in the mixed team event at Tokyo 2020 and another in the women’s event at Paris 2024. While these medals cement her status as an elite athlete, the pursuit of an individual gold remains the missing piece of her professional puzzle.

Beyond the Olympics, her dominance in regional and world competitions is extensive:

• Pan American Games: Three-time gold medalist, including individual gold in Lima 2019 and Santiago 2023, and team gold in Guadalajara 2011.
• World Championships: A silver medalist in the team events in Mexico City 2017, Yankton 2021, and Berlin 2023, as well as an individual bronze in Berlin 2023.
• Central American and Caribbean Games: Multiple gold medals across team, individual, and mixed events in Veracruz 2014, Barranquilla 2018, and San Salvador 2023.

Her contributions to the sport were formally recognized in 2023 when she received the Premio Nacional del Deporte (National Sports Award).

Navigating the Path to 2028

The road to Los Angeles is not without its hurdles. While her athletic performance remains world-class, Valencia has had to navigate administrative challenges. Recently, the archer has been vocal about issues regarding scholarship rules and support from sports authorities, noting that certain regulations are “wrongly made” and require revision.

These frictions highlight the precarious balance elite athletes often strike between their training and the bureaucratic systems that fund them. At one point, the lack of consistent support led Valencia to consider the possibility of opening her own academy to ensure the sport’s growth regardless of official backing.

Despite these distractions, the focus remains on the target. For a woman who has spent a decade as the standard-bearer for her nation, the drive to close her career with an individual gold is more than a personal ambition—it is a mission to finalize a legacy that has already transformed Mexican archery.

As the cycle for Los Angeles 2028 begins, all eyes will be on Valencia and her work with Marc Dellenbach. The quest for individual gold is officially underway.

Do you think Alejandra Valencia can secure the individual gold in 2028? Share your thoughts in the comments below.