An opportunity to add Guatemala's voice to the global conversation on excellence and innovation in sport

Guatemala, October 2025 – Guatemalan Olympic athlete and businesswoman Gisela Morales participated as a guest speaker at the 41st Nelson Vargas International Swimming and Fitness Congress, held in Mexico. The event, which brought together more than 800 sports professionals, is considered one of the most prestigious forums in the region for its contribution to updating teaching methodologies, sports innovation, and training, and is geared toward instructors, coaches, and leaders in the sector.

“Participating in this congress for the first time was a great honor and a profound responsibility. Beyond sharing my experience as an Olympic athlete and businesswoman, I had the opportunity to learn and contribute from a Guatemalan perspective on a world-class stage,” said Gisela Morales.

During the congress, Morales gave two presentations where he addressed the following topics:

·      How to take your passion to excellence: a motivational talk that highlighted the importance of combining passion with discipline, consistency, and planning.

·      Teaching planning: a space focused on the creation of structures, innovative methods and measurable processes to guarantee quality, inclusive and safe sports teaching.

Among the main messages he shared, he highlighted that: passion is the initial driving force, but discipline and strategy are always required to achieve results; sports curricula based on developmental stages allow for sustainable progress; and professional planning is an investment in the future of the sport and the community.

This congress also brought together international figures such as Wayne Pollock, president of the International Association of Swimming Schools; Airlson Silva, Olympic coach of world-class athletes; Pere Solanellas, expert in sports management; Kevin Viliunas, specialist in children's physical preparation; along with other prominent figures in swimming and high-performance sport.

“Guatemalan athletes not only excel in high-performance sports, but also in the academic, business, and methodological aspects of sports. Representing Guatemala at this forum allowed me to demonstrate that our country has professionals capable of contributing ideas and models that transcend borders,” Morales concluded.

With his experience, Morales reinforces his commitment to continue inspiring and training through sport. He also indicates that international cooperation is key to continuing to raise the level of sport in Latin America.