Mexico are in a rebuilding stage and will
hope their first appearance at the World Grand Prix signifies a new dawn for
them. The team were one of the dominant forces in North and Central American
volleyball from the 1950s through the 1970s. They took the gold medal on their
debut at the Pan American Games in 1955 and followed that by claiming bronzes
in 1963, 1971 and 1975. It was a similar story at the NORCECA Championship with
triumphs in 1969 and 1971 followed by bronze medal performances in 1975, 1979
and 1981.
They also took seventh
place when pitched against the world’s elite teams at the Mexico City 1968
Olympic Games. Although times have changed, they ended a 20-year absence from
the World Championships in 2002 and returned again in 2006. The World Grand
Prix provides a great stage for promising young players such as Andrea Rangel,
Claudia Rios and Lizbeth Sainz to gain international experience. |