Mateo Medina’s journey in track and field is nothing short of inspiring. He encountered a major difficulty in the year 2023 during the 400m. It was, at the same time, a qualifying race for the district finals. He made a false start and was disqualified as a result. Reflecting on that moment, Medina admitted, “I wasn’t mature enough, and I wasn’t in the right mindset. I couldn’t deal with the pressure.” But a bad start doesn’t mean the journey ahead won’t be smooth or worth looking for. Medina proved this soon.
Fast forward to June 2024, with three state championship medals shining around the neck and in just one weekend. Yes, read it correctly. Seems like Elyria is shining all over, but I was speechless with his victory and it is shocking because he is a very talkative person. As he stated, “I’m going to be completely honest, and all y’all know me; I’m the most talkative human ever, and I’m literally at a loss for words.”
Those were not just three medals, but over the weekend, Mateo Medina became the 16th boy in state history, and if that was not enough, with his three golds in 100 m, 200 m, and 400 m, Medina was the 5th boy in Arizona history to win a team title single-handedly. And things were not stopping there; Jerry Chizmar, coach at Elyria, announced that Medina was an All-American and All-Ohio sprinter. His rapid rise has left many wondering: Who are the people behind this determined young athlete?
Who is Mateo Medina’s mother?
When it comes to raw speed, it’s safe to say that Mateo Medina inherited it. But his talent didn’t just appear out of nowhere—it runs in the family. His mother, Marita Below, was a standout sprinter in her own right, blazing through Ohio’s high school track scene long before her son made his mark. If you thought Mateo’s dominance on the track was impressive, wait until you hear about his mom.
Marita Below was a five-time All-Ohio sprinter during her years at Elyria High School, proving that speed was practically in her DNA. Marita was part of the school’s record-setting 800m relay team in 2001, alongside Maria Whitely, Heather Davis, and future Olympic champion Tianna Madison. Not to mention, their 1:41.74 finish still stands as one of the fastest in the school’s history.
But the family’s track and field dominance doesn’t stop with Marita. There is more to this DNA. Mateo’s maternal grandmother, Jackie Below, was the longtime girls’ track coach at Elyria High School. Jackie wasn’t just any coach—she built a legacy, shaping generations of sprinters who left their mark on the sport.
That deep-rooted culture of excellence set the foundation for Mateo, who grew up surrounded by a passion for speed and competition. While most know Mateo for his historic sprint triple crown victory at the OHSAA Division I state championship, fewer realize that his journey started long before he ever stepped onto the track.
Watching his mother’s achievements and growing up under the influence of a track-coaching grandmother, it was only a matter of time before he found his own lane—literally. With a powerful mother beside Mateo, his father must also have been a support system for him.
Who is Mateo Medina’s father?
Though Mateo’s father is not a public figure like his mother, last year, he shared something so heartwarming. While sharing his feelings with “The Chronicle” in 2024, after he was announced as an All-Ohio sprinter. He thanked his coach and teammates and stated, “Isaac Johnson is my father figure; I don’t even want to say he’s like a father figure; he is a father to me.”
He also added, “He has been there since day one; he’s been one of my biggest supporters. Coach Chizmar is the brains; Coach Isaac’s the brawn; he’s the guy who gave me that fight.” It shows how impactful Johnson’s influence must have been on Mateo. Mateo’s parents’ nationality? As there is no information available about his father, his mother is an American, and she hails from Elyria, Ohio.
Though Mateo’s parents stay out of the public eye, and there is not much public information available, one thing is sure. Mateo’s mother’s impact on his career is undeniable. Her legacy, combined with the foundation built by Jackie Below, has helped shape one of the most exciting young sprinters in the country. With that kind of lineage, it’s no surprise that Mateo Medina is turning heads on the track.
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