Maylin Olvera, a Mexican member of the football flag discipline, is one of the key players in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle, besides having the best example of strength: Osmar Olvera, Olympic medalist in Paris 2024 and her brother.
2024 left us with Olympic Games that we will always remember, especially for Mexico. However, faith and hope continue in a new Olympic cycle: Los Angeles 2028, where football flag will be one of the most motivating disciplines for Mexicans.
And it is here where Maylin Olvera, who comes from a sports family, appears. Her brother, Osmar, is a diver, while her father is a football coach. She had to support her brother in the last Olympic Games, but now the support will be mutual, as she is on her way to Los Angeles 2028.
All athletes who practice flag football have the goal of representing Mexico not only in a World Cup but also in something bigger as an athlete, which is the Olympic Games.
Olvera had a knee injury:
This process is a little difficult, because I had knee surgery, so I think that from day one of my operation until now there have been many ups and downs, both emotional and physical.
The knee issue must be handled with care, and Maylin, who is a physiotherapist, shares her perspective:
"The knee is one of the joints that bears the most weight, but with the help of Rodrigo, my physiotherapist, I know that if I prepare properly, I’ll be back on the field as if I never had an injury".
Despite these challenges, Maylin has managed to overcome them. It’s also worth noting that Mexico’s women’s flag football team recently achieved a World Championship runner-up title, which adds to the motivation.
The combination of Olympic cycle support and her injury has led Maylin to rely on the most important people in her life:
"My parents, my brother—whose advice, as a high-performance athlete, is very valuable—and my boyfriend, who has been with me every step of the way, from day one until now".
As previously mentioned, flag football is gaining more followers in Mexico. Maylin is well aware of this, and she comments:
"Flag is just beginning to be recognized as a sport. The team recently competed in the World Championship in Finland, where Mexico did very well, finishing in second place. But we all know the team to beat is the United States".
Maylin adds with determination:
"The Americans are not on a higher level, but I would love for the new generations to be given a chance in 2028 to show that Mexico is at an even better level."
Lastly, Olvera delivered a clear message:
"Yes, let’s support Mexican football flags, because Mexico is a country that can deliver an outstanding performance".
