Discipline (1971-10-08)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Pre-Hispanic roots
Dating back to ancient times, gymnastics has its roots in acrobatics. In Mexico, it was present in pre-Hispanic cultures as part of their religious rituals and recreational activities. A notable example is the 'Acrobat' vase found in Tlatilco.
Fernando Decena from UNAM (1972-11-12) by Antonio MonroyMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
The Mayotuncuepani
According to Fray Diego Durán, Aztec acrobats were called Mayotuncuepani. They performed impressive collective numbers, such as forming columns and balancing on their companions' heads, as well as the renowned 'voladores' (flyers) on ropes.
No title (1978-07-07) by Ramón V.Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Prohibition, persistence, and legacy
Although four Mayotuncuepani were presented to King Carlos V, pre-Hispanic acrobatics was prohibited during the colonial period. However, it continued to be practiced in different regions of the country. Even today, antipodist representations persist in Guerrero.
Full gymnastics team (1972-07-25) by R. Durán G.Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
European influence
The formal discipline of gymnastics in Mexico was introduced from Europe. One of its most prominent representatives was Juan Turin, originally from France. In 1846, he founded the first gymnasium on Calle Tacuba in Mexico City.
The military approach
The armed forces were one of the main sectors to adopt the discipline of gymnastics. It was seen as a systematized approach to fostering discipline through strength exercises. The first activities are believed to date back to 1950 at the Military College.
Gymnastics during the era of Porfirio Díaz's presidency
In 1888, the Federal Law of Primary Instruction was enacted, establishing the obligation to include gymnastic and military exercises in all of the country's schools. At this stage, the exercises were mainly rudimentary and performed indoors.
Exercises with hoops (1969-01-05)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Education and sports
Finally, in 1923, during José Vasconcelos' tenure as head of the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP), the Elementary School of Physical Education was established. This school aimed to promote sports and the connection between body and mind through disciplines such as athletics.
Julieta Suárez training (1968-10) by Antonio Vázquez F.Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Gymnastics: Subjects and approaches
The Curriculum included subjects like: Terminology and Gymnastics; Calisthenics; Rhythmic Gymnastics; Kinesiology; Theory of Physical Education; Anatomy, Physiology, and Hygiene; Field Sports and Athletics; Apparatus; Aesthetic Dance; Indoor Sports and Athletics; and Psychology.
Danish gymnasts on balance beam (1968)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Professionalization
With the foundation of the Mexican Olympic Committee in 1923, Mexico debuted at the Paris Olympic Games in 1924. Fifteen male athletes participated in athletics, tennis, and shooting, marking the beginning of the country's international participation in gymnastics.
Participation in the Olympic Games
Mexico has participated prominently and extensively in the Olympic Games, competing in gymnastics disciplines at 16 editions.
Gymnastics Mexico 1968 (1968)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Pan American Games
Mexico has a great tradition in gymnastics at the Pan American Games, with outstanding athletes such as Nicanor Villarreal, a silver medalist in pommel horse, and Francisco J. Álvarez, who won the gold medal in gymnastics with clubs in 1954.
Athletes of excellence
Female Mexican athletes have also participated prominently in the Olympic Games, since the Mexican women's team represented the country in Munich 1972 with seven extraordinary athletes. Names such as Brenda Magaña or Alexa Moreno have been added to this list in 2004 and 2016, respectively.
Gymnastics Mexico 1968 (1968)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
The Mexican spirit in gymnastics
Although Mexico is not always linked to gymnastics, these women and men remind us that the Mexican Olympic spirit has been present since our pre-Hispanic origins and continues to fuel the hearts of our gymnasts to this day.
This story was created with information and support from Instituto Nacional de Estudios Históricos de las Revoluciones de México.
