Cecilia Lee apologises after Guatemalan sports page's racist comment sparks controversy
Mexican taekwondo poomsae athlete Cecilia Lee won a silver medal at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo. After her final against Guatemalan Alejandra Higueros, the Guatemalan sports page Liga Nacional GT posted a message suggesting that Mexico had fielded a “South Korean” athlete, questioning Lee’s nationality because of her Korean ancestry.
The post generated widespread criticism on social media and was condemned by the Mexican Olympic Committee, which issued a statement supporting Lee and denouncing the discriminatory remarks. Liga Nacional GT later released a public apology, stating the intent was to admire the skill of South Korean athletes and confirming that Lee was born in Monterrey, Mexico. Lee responded on Instagram, emphasizing that she is Mexican and proud to represent her country.
Actress Regina Blandón criticized the apology as inadequate, accusing the Guatemalan outlet of trying to deflect responsibility. The controversy highlighted issues of racism and identity in sport, while both Lee and Higueros were praised for their performances.
Entities: 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games · Alejandra Higueros · Cecilia Lee · Central American and Caribbean Games · Liga Nacional GT · Liga Nacional de Guatemala · Mexican Olympic Committee · Regina Blandón · Seo Hyun Cecilia Lee Kimes
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Guatemalan league blamed misinterpretation by the Mexican public and media for the controversy. (existing)
- [● 9 SOURCES] The Mexican Olympic Committee condemned the discriminatory remarks and backed Lee. (existing)
- [● 9 SOURCES] Alejandra Higueros won the gold medal in the poomsae event. (existing)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Liga Nacional GT issued a public apology stating its intent was admiration for South Korean athletes and confirming Lee is Mexican. (existing)
- [● 9 SOURCES] Liga Nacional GT posted a comment suggesting Mexico fielded a “South Korean” athlete, questioning Lee’s nationality. (existing)
- [● 9 SOURCES] Cecilia Lee won a silver medal in the individual poomsae event at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo. (existing)
- [● 9 SOURCES] The comment sparked criticism on social media for being discriminatory. (existing)
- [● 9 SOURCES] Cecilia Lee stated on Instagram that she is Mexican, born in Mexico. (existing)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Actress Regina Blandón criticized the apology as inadequate. (existing)