Outside the Ring with Alyssa Mendoza
2024 Olympian Alyssa Mendoza (Caldwell, Idaho) is coming off a gold medal performance at her most recent international competition and using that to help her prepare for her goal of being on the medal podium at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
INTERVIEWER:
What was it like competing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games?
ALYSSA:
I think back to the Olympics everyday for sure. Being there in the Olympic Village and knowing why I was there was one of the greatest feelings. I really could say that I was the happiest I probably have ever been, just being there. I don’t really think there was a bad experience. It was incredible. Even just like walking past the different Olympians and being like, ‘Oh that’s Sha’Carri Richardson. Wow! Oh, Simone Biles’ It’s just incredible.
INTERVIEWER:
What was it like returning home for you from the Games?
ALYSSA:
So, I was one of the few Olympians from my state. When I returned home to Caldwell, they ended up doing a whole parade. I was on top of a firetruck, people were cheering for me and had signs. After that, they announced Alyssa Mendoza Day. So August 16th is now Alyssa Mendoza Day in Caldwell, which is really cool. It definitely made me feel welcome. While I was in Paris, they had block parties every time I fought. They were super supportive.
INTERVIEWER:
The USA Boxing Foundation ran a program leading to Paris to help raise funds to support the families of the Olympians attending the Games. What was it like having that support from the Foundation to help provide that, as well as having your family attend?
ALYSSA:
That took care of a lot. I had my dad, my sister come, as well as some other members, and they didn’t stress. They were fine, had a place to stay, and it was nice knowing that I was there competing, doing what I needed to do, and I did not have to worry about those kinds of things. I’m really thankful for that because I would have been stressed about everything, and it could have affected my performance and so on, so having this as something I did not have to worry about, I was very grateful.
INTERVIEWER:
What made you want to keep pushing and go for a second Olympic Games in LA28?
ALYSSA:
You know what, I just really wany my medal. That’s really what it is. After I lost in Paris, I was just thinking, ‘Man, I really want to be on the Olympic podium. I really want to bring something back to my home from the Olympic Games!’ I know getting to the Olympic Games is already rare but imagine how much more incredible it would be if you medaled. That’s always been a dream for me. So, knowing I can go to these home Olympic Games with even more of a crowd and everything, I must go and do it again. I think the way I lost in Paris; it’s not like I was beaten so obviously that you could say I did not belong there. I know I’m just a few levels away from getting up there, and that is what is driving me, knowing that I can do it.
INTERVIEWER:
What are some of the biggest lessons from Paris you will take with you on your journey to qualify to the 2028 Olympics?
ALYSSA:
Don’t leave it up to the judges. It is probably the lesson that I’ve always tried to listen to, but when I end up fighting, I always kind of fall back into it. For the most part, it’s like, I can’t make the fight close because whenever the fight is close, it always ends up going against me. I was like, ‘Okay, next time I’m going to make it so obvious that I beat this girl that they can’t give it to her.
So honestly, I need to work harder, which is probably the biggest lesson. I know I’m working hard, but I can still work harder. I believe that should push me to the top.
INTERVIEWER:
How important is it to have support from donors to the USA Boxing Foundation and Team28 program, where you can hopefully get funding for more international competition, training, etc., to prepare for LA28?
ALYSSA:
It’s very crucial. Getting funding to help us to do these international tournaments before the Olympics is probably the most important thing, because that’s where we get all our experience at. That is where I believe my biggest growth comes from, fighting internationally and from the different training camps we do out of the country. The more bouts I get, the better I feel and the better I get over the years. Me getting more work with the international girls has given me so much experience, so that when I go into the bouts, I do feel confident.