WBSC podcast in Spanish: Catcher Sashel Palacios proud Mexico qualified for Olympic softball for first time in history

WBSC podcast in Spanish: Catcher Sashel Palacios proud Mexico qualified for Olympic softball for first time in history
15/04/2021
The 25-year-old catcher confessed she didn’t expect to become an Olympian. “I never thought we were going to go to the Olympics. But now, at this moment, I want to do everything to fulfil the dream I had when I was a child.”

Sashel Palacios was the catcher of the Mexican National Softball Team that earned the nation's first-ever berth into an Olympic Games softball tournament. Mexico won the WBSC Americas Softball Olympic Qualifier in 2019 and became the fourth qualified nation for Tokyo 2020.

“I knew in my mind that those games [against Puerto Rico and Canada] were the most important of the tournament,” remembers Palacios. “We had to focus on each game and the team did it. Against Puerto Rico, Danielle O’Toole pitched a great game and it was very nice to have that moment with her. And then, we beat Canada with our ace, Dallas Escobedo, who fought hard to win that game."

Palacios said she is honoured that Mexico will play in the nation's first-ever Olympic softball event, when Tokyo 2020 opens. “Being qualified for Tokyo makes me feel very proud, because it is not just a preparation for months before qualifying. It is a matter of years, year after year improving. It is very nice that people in Mexico see that we are making a great effort, together, for Mexico.”

The 25-year-old catcher confessed she didn’t expect to become an Olympian. “I never thought we were going to go to the Olympics. But now, at this moment, I want to do everything to fulfil the dream I had when I was a child.” 

“I am a 'tiny girl' and I never thought I was going to achieve this with my sport. But with work, dedication, passion, energy, and positive vibes, you can achieve anything.” 

The Mexican Softball team will not be the only nation’s team sport making their debut in the Olympic stage. The Mexican National Baseball Team also qualified for the first time, after taking the bronze at the II WBSC Premier12 2019. “It will be great when the two teams, softball and baseball, are together in Tokyo,” says Palacios. “It is very special because it is our first time [at the Olympics], and for them it will also be the first time.”

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Palacios says being part of a team sport means there will be a good support system when faced with the high stakes and extreme pressure competing on the world's biggest sporting stage, the Olympic Games.

“Our sport is very tough, especially mentally, and when you're getting ready you can at least relax a little bit and take a moment to celebrate. This game is very hard and thank God we are going to be together. "


The Global Game