Chapter Milestones: Mexico

In 1976, Achilles International’s late founder Dick Traum made history as the first person with a prosthetic leg to complete the New York City Marathon, helping spark a movement that continues to redefine what’s possible for athletes with disabilities around the world.

As we approach the 50th anniversary of that historic finish, we’re celebrating the people, moments and milestones that have shaped Achilles along the way. Today, that movement spans 62 chapters worldwide, each with its own story to tell.

We asked members of the Achilles Mexico community to reflect on the moments that have defined their chapter, the milestones they've celebrated, and what Achilles means to them. Read Chapter Leader Teresita Robledo's reflection below.

Teresita Robledo, Chapter Leader, Achilles Mexico

I joined Achilles Mexico in 2016 after seeing an athlete and guide running together at Héroes del Camino, a race supporting people with intellectual disabilities. Something about that partnership immediately caught my attention.

I learned that the group had begun training near my home and decided to join. From my first workout, I became actively involved, supporting the chapter's leaders, proposing ideas and learning more about the community. In 2017, I became a co-leader.

The roots of Achilles Mexico go back to 2014, when Jessica Bahena, founder of Corriendo por Sonrisas, brought together runners and allied organizations to create an inclusive running space for athletes with disabilities and guides.

The community was originally known as Halcones Achilles Mexico. Over the years, it continued to grow and strengthen its relationship with Achilles International. Following the pandemic and new opportunities to participate in Achilles International events, including the New York City Marathon, the community officially embraced the Achilles Mexico name in 2022.

That same period brought my own Achilles "a-ha" moment.

As we began returning to in-person workouts after the pandemic, a blind athlete named Paco joined us. He was an incredible runner, but he was also afraid. It was his first time leaving his home after almost two years.

Seeing what that workout meant to him changed my perspective. I realized that a workout is never just a workout. It can be a doorway back to confidence, independence, community and life.

That day, I made myself a promise: our Saturday workouts would not be canceled. Since 2022, we have kept that promise.

I also began serving as Chapter Leader that year after Jorge Rodríguez, who had led the chapter with great commitment for many years, needed to step back.

Since then, Achilles Mexico has continued creating opportunities for athletes with disabilities to train, participate in races, travel and work toward their goals. We've also worked with race organizers, sports clubs, companies and other organizations to help identify accessibility barriers and create more inclusive experiences.

What makes me most proud, though, is the commitment of our community.

Athletes, guides, volunteers, families and allies continue to show up because they believe in the mission. Achilles Mexico isn't simply a running group. It is a community where inclusion, dignity and belonging are practiced every week.

The biggest lesson I've learned through this work is the importance of care.

We learn to care for others by listening, guiding, supporting and creating safe and dignified spaces for athletes with disabilities. But we also have to care for ourselves and for one another as a community.

For me, care is at the center of inclusion.

That's what continues to move Achilles Mexico forward: people choosing to show up, support one another and build a community where everyone has the opportunity to belong.