Mexican national team wide receiver Victoria Chavez has been named the The World Games Athlete of the Year 2025, as determined by thousands of passionate fans from around the globe who voted.
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.
Chavez totaled 50,537 votes ahead of German DanceSport pair Marius Andrei Balan and Khrystyna Moshenska (43,528 votes), and fellow Mexican Laura Burgos the Muaythai athlete (29,753 votes).
“This is a dream for me,” said Chavez. “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. The most beautiful thing about representing Mexico is carrying the dream of so many hearts. 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.”
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.
IFAF President Pierre Trochet added: “Victoria’s achievement on the final play of the gold medal game was a thrilling end to the Flag Football tournament in Chengdu and everyone within IFAF is delighted she has achieved this additional success. It speaks volumes that sports fans around the world who were captivated by Victoria’s performances and perhaps discovered flag football for the first time chose to vote for her.”
On the tournament website, The World Games said of the result: ‘We extend our heartfelt congratulations to these extraordinary athletes for their remarkable achievements in their respective sports and for inspiring fans worldwide with their dedication and skill.
We are deeply grateful to all the fans who participated in this year’s vote, supporting their favourite athletes and demonstrating the power of the global sports community.’
The final ranking is as follows:
- Flag Football – Victoria Chavez (MEX) – 50,537
- DanceSport – Marius Andrei Balan and Khrystyna Moshenska (GER) – 43,528
- Muaythai – Laura Burgos (MEX) – 29,753
- Tug of War – Chia-Jung Tien (TPE) – 24,313
- Underwater Sports – Dengxi Long (CHN) – 16,227
- Sambo – Arman Avanesyan (ARM) – 15,439
- Fistball – Gabriel Heck (BRA) – 14,698
- Gymnastics – Ethan McGuinness (AUS) – 14,408
- Cheerleading – Emily Growdon and Shayla Myerscough (AUS) – 14,161
- Wushu – Loan Drouard (FRA) – 14,006
Photo: Ernesto Campuzano
