Mario Antonio Valdez — Going to New Records

Updated: April 9, 2023

Emilio Flores
Los Fresnos News

On March 31, 2023, Mario broke the school record for discus at the Jim Hudson Relays in La Feria with a new record throw of 154.5 feet. The previously held record was by Christian Rodriguez with a distance of 151 feet 2 inches. The Offensive Coordinator and Boys & Girls Throwers Coach, Fausto Atkinson shares that the record for discus throw has stood for almost 12 years!

Coach Atkinson shares just how proud and great it’s been seeing his athletes grow, adding, “Mario made a huge improvement from last year.” Atkinson explains that Mario’s best throw last year was 132 feet. With his new record this year, he has improved his throw by over 20 feet.

Once Atkinson saw Valdez’s performance after their Port Isabel meet where he threw 147 feet, Atkinson says, “It was after this meet that we believed the record was attainable.”

“He is one of the two boy throwers I have this year,” says Coach Atkinson.

Ranked #1 in both shot and discus in District 32-6A and ranked #1 in Discus in Area which includes all 6a schools in the valley.”

“It was very exciting and rewarding as a coach to be there as Mario broke a record that had stood for almost 12 years. The joy and excitement he felt can never be overstated.”

As mentioned, Mario is ranked #1 in Area. Coach says that means he will compete at Regionals which will be held in San Antonio this year. Mario has an opportunity to break his own record at Regionals says Atkinson.

Lastly, Coach Fausto Atkinson shares, “I’m proud of the hard work Mario has put in. He is a great example of a kid who kept at it even though things didn’t always go his way. His perseverance is commendable.”

Q&A with Mario:

How does it feel to have broken such a big record?- one that’s stood for 10+ years?
It felt good for the first few moments but I knew I needed to throw further to make sure my record will stand for more than 10 years.

Who is your biggest motivation?
My future self is my biggest motivation. The more work I put in now the bigger the payout later.

Who are some people you look up to or want to recognize?
I would like to recognize my parents for taking me to training camps and funding my passion for the sport.

Getting to know Mario!

What are some of your hobbies?
My hobbies include working out, throwing, and working on mechanical stuff with my dad.
If you could meet any person (past or present), who would it be and what might you ask?
Michael Carter is a former shotputter and I would ask him for all the tips he has to offer so I can throw further.

Mario Valdez is a Senior, at Los Fresnos High School and has been throwing since middle school. Mrs. Linda Valdez, his Mother, and the one that reached out to Los Fresnos News, says, “He’s been in shot put and discus since his 7th-grade year.” Mrs. Valdez says that the first people that he told were his Dad and his older sister.

Final words from Mrs. Valdez:
“I am over the moon about the man he is. Seeing him break that record was beautiful, but he makes me proud every day. From spending days in the freezing cold saving sea turtles to carrying his grandmother to having so many college credits completed in high school, he is an inspiring human being. He most certainly has had more challenges than most adults do in their lifetime, but he stands steadfast and resilient. He has so many amazing dreams. He wants to be a Nurse Anesthesiologist too. There aren’t enough words to say how proud I am of him.”

Photos of Mario Valdez and his grandmother. Photos were sent in by Mrs. Valdez (Mario’s mom).

Valdez says after Highschool he will go to UTRGV to get his bachelor’s degree in nursing. Then he plans to finish his master’s and doctoral in nursing anesthesia at Texas Wesleyan University. Congratulation, and may you continue to succeed.