Mexican President shows optimismn about winning medals at Beijing

The president of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, expresed his wish to have his athletes collecting victories at the Olympic Games in Beijing during his first visit oficial visit to the Asian country. Mexico is sending a delegation of numerous athletes, including diver Paola Espinosa, flat water canoe medalist Everardo Cristobal Quirino and Rosario Espinoza TaeKwondo competitor.

José Everardo Cristóbal Quirino's biography is quite inspiring, inspite of  many looking down at him and making racist comments on internet because of his humble origins. 

Racismn even among mexicans. Malinchismo perhaps? Distorted role models?

It doesn't matter he's a Mexican flatwater canoeist 2007 Pan American and 2006 World champion in flatwater ( canoe) racing in C-1 1000m.

He was born at the island of Urandén, 4 km from  Pátzcuaro, Michoacan, where fishing is a way of life. Jose Everardo is the 8th of 10 brothers and was able to study only up to secundary school.

At age 5 he began to row canoes with his father or brothers but at age 7 he was on his own to go to school by this mean of transportation.

One tragic day playing races with his brother they tipped over and his brother drowned while saving his life. Therefore he dedicates all his victories to his memory.

One day a canoe coach went over to his school to  invite whoever was interested and Everardo decided to accepted but somehow he had to keep up with school and chores forcing him to row his canoe pretty fast to get home on time and not get in trouble.

"Canoes are like my shoes, I feel comfortable in them" He says smiling.

You can watch a video about Canoe Racer Jose Everardo Cristobal Quirinoby reuters at the link below.

Carmen De la Fuente Wushu Panamerican champion, Gerardo Eugenio Martinez Dibene holds the Mexican and National High Jump Record and Yazmith Bataz Carballo paraolympic wheelchair champion from La Paz Baja California Sur are also included in the Mexican Delegation.