Francisca Mena, mother of the Olympic medalist, died in a care center in Antioquia. The sports community and authorities express their condolences.
News Colombia.
In the last few hours, the world of Colombian sports has been tinged with mourning after the death of Francisca Mena, mother of the prominent Olympic athlete Caterine Ibargüen.
The news was confirmed by the Antioquia Athletics League, which extended a message of condolences and solidarity to the athlete. “May his memory always be a blessing,” the League said in its statement.
Mena’s death occurred in a healthcare center in Antioquia, where she had been admitted due to health complications, which worsened in the days before her death.
So far, no specific details have been revealed about the medical condition affecting the Olympic medalist’s mother. The sports community, close friends and followers of Ibargüen have come together to support him during this difficult time.
A life dedicated to supporting his daughter
Francisca Mena played a fundamental role in the life and career of Caterine Ibargüen, being her pillar of strength throughout her sporting career.
The Olympic champion has always highlighted the unconditional support of her mother, who accompanied her in the most challenging moments and celebrated with her the achievements that took her to the top of world athletics.
See: The greatness of Caterine Ibargüen immortalized in a sculpture: ‘Caterine de Oro’
Ibargüen’s manager confirmed that the athlete was by her mother’s side in her last moments, providing her with company and support as she faced the health complications that ultimately caused her death.
Despite the enormous media exposure that accompanies the renowned athlete, until now, Ibargüen has preferred to keep her grief private, without issuing any public statement.
Solidarity and messages of support
The death of Francisca Mena has generated a wave of messages of support for Caterine Ibargüen from sports institutions and public figures.
Among them, the Government of Antioquia and the Departmental Sports Institute issued a statement expressing their condolences and providing a message of strength to the athlete and her family.
“Caterine Ibargüen Mena, in this difficult time, the Indeportes Antioquia family hugs and accompanies you. May the strength to overcome this challenge be present with you and your family. The light of love illuminates the eternal rest of your mother Francisca Mena«Reads the message spread by Indeportes Antioquia.
🕊️ With respect and affection, the executive committee of the Colombian Olympic Committee, chaired by Ciro Solano Hurtado, pays tribute to the memory of Francisca Mena, mother of our Olympic and world champion Caterine Ibargüen. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/WWATlEVTQj
— COL Olympic Committee (@OlimpicoCol) October 11, 2024
Likewise, the Antioquia Athletics League highlighted Mena’s legacy as a key figure in the development of Ibargüen’s personal and professional life, highlighting the deep bond that both shared.
This gesture of solidarity is not the only one, since various athletes, coaches and personalities from the athletic field have also sent messages of encouragement to the medalist.
Privacy in the midst of grief
Although the media attention has been intense due to Ibargüen’s relevance in the world of sports, her team and those closest to her have requested respect for the athlete’s privacy in these moments of deep pain.
Her mother, who was her greatest support, leaves an irreparable void in the life of the athlete, who now faces not only the challenges of her career, but also a devastating personal loss.
