US Boxer Jennifer Lozano Qualifies for Paris Olympics, Becomes First Olympian from Laredo, Texas

20-year-old Lozano secured her spot after a dominant win at the Pan American Games, celebrates victory with her family and is set to face a silver medalist from Tokyo in the final.

• Jennifer Lozano, a 20-year-old boxer from Laredo, Texas, has qualified for the Paris Olympics, making her the first Olympian from her city. She secured her position by reaching the final of the women's 50-kilogram weight class at the Pan American Games.
• In the Pan American Games semi-final, Lozano demonstrated her prowess with a dominant 5-0 win over Canada's Mckenzie Wright. Her next opponent will be Beatriz Ferreira from Brazil, who was a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics.
• Besides boxing, Lozano has faced personal challenges in her sport career and in her hometown which she refers to as "very small, very closed-minded." She has overcome negative stereotypes and bullying regarding her weight and language, making her story deeply inspirational.
• Nicknamed 'La Traviesa' or 'The Troublemaker', Lozano has drastically shifted public opinion in her hometown of Laredo. A city with a dichotomy of wealth, both sides will now be rooting for her as she advances to compete on the Olympic stage.
• Lozano expressed immense pride in her Mexican-American heritage and her hometown. Her perspective is influenced by her late grandmother, who was a major source of inspiration for her competitive drive. Her family traveled to Santiago to celebrate her victory with her.

3 Articles

ESPN Washington Post Associated Press