Citi World Series: Aceves, Gutierrez to debut as new Paralympic medallists at home

The Citi Para Swimming World Series returns to the sporting calendar following the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with its eighth meet taking place in Guadalajara, Mexico, from Thursday to Sunday (21–24 November).  

Over four action-packed days, 219 swimmers from 11 nations will gather at the Centro Acuatico Metropolitano to compete in multi-class events.  

As the first major international competition of the new Paralympic cycle, the event is set to feature many newcomers among the hundreds of competitors. However, some established names will also return to action at a new level, competing as Paralympic medallists for the first time after earning their debut medals in Paris.  

Haidee Aceves and Jesus Gutierrez are among these athletes, leading the 158-strong home squad.  

Aceves (S2) will compete in the same events where she won two silver medals in Paris – the women’s 50m and 100m backstroke. Meanwhile, Gutierrez (S6), who claimed bronze in the men’s 400m freestyle, is set to race in six events – the 100m and 400m freestyle, 100m backstroke, 100m breaststroke, 50m butterfly, and 200m medley.  

Joy and Responsibility  

Gutierrez, one of the famous Mexican Para swimmer triplets, is the first in his family to win a Paralympic medal. Quoting the iconic phrase from Uncle Ben, ‘with great power comes great responsibility’.

“My family was so proud of me. My two brothers, Raúl and Juan José, hugged me tightly after the event and said, ‘You did it! You’re now a Paralympic medallist. Now, prepare even harder than before so that, God willing, you’ll be ready for Los Angeles 2028.’ This gives me even more motivation to keep giving my all to the sport I love.  

"In general, things have changed a bit because now I need to bring more commitment, dedication, effort, and sacrifices to, God willing, repeat my performance in LA,” Gutierrez said.  

With the Paris cycle concluded, the Citi World Series Mexico 2024 marks the beginning of preparations for Los Angeles 2028. Although four years remain, the groundwork starts now.  

“We’ll train harder, both physically and mentally, to be better prepared for Los Angeles. We’re going to push ourselves to the limit. Ahead of us are training camps, World Series events, the World Championships in Singapore, and the Para Pan American Games. We’ll come back even stronger, just as we did for Paris,” he added.  

This is the second consecutive year that the Mexican city of Guadalajara is hosting a World Series meet. Four more events are already confirmed for the city from 2025 to 2028, ensuring the competitions will play a vital role in athletes’ journeys to the next Paralympic Games.  

“Hosting the World Series here in Mexico is excellent. For those competing in their first international event, being on Mexican soil will make them feel at home, with many locals present to cheer them on. At the same time, the participation of numerous countries ensures the competition will be highly competitive due to the diversity of nations,” he said.  

Top three nations

Following the hosts, Colombia and Peru bring the next largest delegations to Guadalajara.  

Colombia will be represented by 19 swimmers, led by six-time Para Pan American medallist Sharit Yunque (S11), who will compete in three events – the women’s 50m, 100m, and 400m freestyle.  

Among the nine-athlete Peruvian squad, the standout performer is three-time medallist Rodrigo Santillan (S2). He is set to compete in five events – the 50m, 100m, and 200m freestyle, as well as the 50m and 100m backstroke.  

The Citi Para Swimming World Series Mexico 2024 will be live-streamed on the World Para Swimming Facebook and on the Mexican Paralympic Committee YouTube channel.