Claudia Romero

At just 18 years old, Claudia Romero is a talent to keep close watch on. She stormed onto the scene in 2016 by winning Pan American Championship gold and followed that up with a silver medal performance at the 2017 World Championships, dropping an 8-4 decision to the women’s up to 49kg K44 top fighter. Last year was much of the same – a second Pan American title and a silver at the European Open Championships, falling 9-4 to the same fighter.

Look for Romero to star at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, when Para taekwondo makes its debut at the event.

“I need to prepare well in order to advance [to the Pan American Games and] to win a medal,” Romero said. “But, of course, I imagine myself winning gold and celebrating with my family and friends. It would make me very proud to represent Mexico in Peru.”