Mexico wide receiver Victoria Chavez has been nominated as The World Games Athlete of the Year and fans of flag football are now able to start voting for her to win the annual award.
The sight of Chavez making the gold medal winning catch at The World Games as time expired is the most enduring highlight of the flag football tournament.
The first round of The World Games Athlete of the Year voting begins on Monday, January 12 with the leading vote getters moving on to a second round of voting on January 26.
Votes can be cast every 24 hours, so fans of flag football, Chavez and Mexico can vote once every day to help her win the award. Votes cast must also include another nominated athlete from one of the other sports played at The World Games.
Chavez began playing flag football in her native Chihuahua when she was 14 and was invited to join a team for a hobby. Her success led to a college scholarship offer.
“I play flag football at my college, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Santa Fe campus,” she explained. “We are a very successful team and have won many championships in university competitions.
“When I’m not playing or training, I like to spend time with my loved ones, call them, read, and relax.”
Chavez has been part of the Mexico national team for two years, having been involved in the national pre-selection processes since 2019. She plays as a wide receiver and as a defensive back.
In the gold medal game at The World Games in Chengdu, China, last summer, the Mexico star claimed victory on literally the last play of an epic win over rival the United States as time expired. Hollywood couldn’t have scripted a better ending.
The 24-year-old got free in the end zone and held her nerve to catch a lofted pass by quarterback Diana Flores, completing a thrilling comeback. The play of the tournament also celebrated a personal milestone for Chavez, who had battled back from injury to become a key member of the Mexico squad.
“This nomination is a dream for me,” she added. “I never imagined living all of this. Two years ago, I was in a hospital bed not knowing if I would return to the field. Being here today, experiencing all of this with my team, surpasses any dream I had imagined and is a reminder that God exists and has always been with me.”
Her performances in Chengdu also helped propel Mexico to the top of the IFAF Flag Football World Rankings, claiming the sport’s number one spot for the first time. Chavez is proud of her nation’s achievements and is excited for what lies ahead for the best team in the world.
“The most beautiful thing about representing Mexico is carrying the dream of so many hearts,” she explained. “Knowing that Mexico supports and backs us gives us a thousand reasons not to give up, and it is also very special to see what Mexico represents on a global level and how much other countries appreciate Mexicans.
“Going to the 2026 IFAF World Flag in Germany is my next goal. I am happy and focused on the standard required by the Mexican Flag Football team, always thinking of gold and acting accordingly.”
Be sure to vote daily for Victoria Chavez.
Photo: Ernesto Campuzano
