3rd State Fencing Tournament and Beyond
Last Saturday, January 11, 2025, the Code Revolución facilities in Guadalajara, Jalisco, witnessed the outstanding performance of young fencers in the 3rd State Fencing Tournament, corresponding to the 2024-2025 season. This event brought together talented athletes who participated in four categories: Pre-Child Saber, Under 12 Men's Saber, Under 19 Women's Saber, and Open Men's and Women's Saber.
Among the participants, the performance of eight representatives of the Puerto Vallarta fencing team stood out, who left an important mark on the tournament with medals and great performances.
Outstanding results
In the Pre-Child category, Darío Romo García took the podium, winning the bronze medal after a formidable effort in each match.
In the Under 12 category, Dante de la Torre Fernández obtained a commendable fifth place, while Iyari López Cueto Vélez took third place, adding another bronze medal for the Vallarta team.
In the Under 19 category, Dulce Fernanda Álvarez Gaytán demonstrated her consistency and skill by obtaining third place, in addition to finishing in ninth place in her second participation.
In the Open category, Jorge Alberto Tovar Villaseñor and Regina Montiel Esparza stood out for their dedication on the track. Regina secured a third place, adding another bronze medal for Puerto Vallarta, while Jorge Alberto obtained twelfth place.
The tournament was also the scene of brilliant performances in combined categories. Sofía Díaz de León Rodríguez stood out by winning the bronze medal in the Under 14 category and an outstanding second place (silver medal) in the Open category, consolidating herself as one of the promises of this discipline. In turn, Julieta de la Torre Fernández finished in fifth place in the Under 14 category and in eleventh place in the Under 19 category, showing great potential for future competitions.
Puerto Vallarta beyond borders
The talent from Vallarta not only shined in the state tournament. In parallel, Etienne Smith, another member of the team, participated in his third international competition, the Salle Auriol Seattle Tournament, held in the United States. Etienne climbed onto the podium by obtaining third place and a bronze medal, demonstrating that the level of the fencers from Vallarta can compete at the highest level.
A broader vision for Vallarta fencing
The Puerto Vallarta fencing team has been consolidating itself as a breeding ground for talent, thanks to a comprehensive program that includes tournaments, camps, concentrations and excursions, focused on providing athletes with opportunities both nationally and internationally.
This state tournament is another example of the impact that discipline, teamwork and the support of coaches and families have. In addition, it highlights the importance of promoting sports as a tool for personal and community development.
Puerto Vallarta is positioned not only as a tourist destination, but also as a sports benchmark in Jalisco, with athletes who proudly carry the name of their city in each competition.
A legacy of excellence: Jennifer Lobato, pioneer in Puerto Vallarta fencing
Jennifer Lobato has not only taught fencing; she has planted dreams and cultivated talents that have put the name of Puerto Vallarta on high. As a pioneer in teaching this discipline in the region, Jennifer has opened doors to generations of young people, instilling in them values such as discipline, perseverance and sportsmanship.
Her vision, supported by the Municipal Sports Council (COMUDE) of the Municipal Government, has transformed fencing from being a little-known sport in the tourist destination, to a movement that inspires children, young people and adults to overcome their own limits. Thanks to this joint effort, Puerto Vallarta today has athletes who compete at the state, national and even international levels.
Jennifer is not only a coach, but a mentor who has known how to guide her students with patience and wisdom, motivating them to grow both in the sports and personal fields. Her tireless work and her love for fencing have left an indelible mark on the local sports community.
The path that Jennifer Lobato started, together with the support of the COMUDE, has borne fruit and has laid the foundations for a future full of success for Vallarta fencing. Their effort and commitment are an example of how passion and collaborative work can transform a community and leave a legacy that inspires many to come.