A shocking incident unfolded last Sunday during the Pemex Union Section 44 athletic race in Villahermosa, Tabasco, tarnishing the event’s competitive spirit. José Luis Casillas Navarrete, the first-place finisher, was violently attacked at the finish line by the runner-up, José Alberto Balam Hernández, who accused him of mockery.
Casillas secured victory with a lead of half a minute over Balam Hernández. However, celebrations quickly turned into chaos. As Casillas was being congratulated, Balam approached a nearby camera, declaring, “That bastard is making fun of me,” before confronting the winner. He pushed Casillas, who fell and hit a guardrail, and then proceeded to kick him repeatedly despite pleas from the individual filming the scene to stop.
It remains unclear whether prior disagreements existed between the two runners, or if Casillas had indeed mocked his competitor during the race. The violent episode, captured on video, quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread condemnation of Balam’s actions.
Race organizers have yet to issue a formal statement addressing the incident. The video has drawn public ire, including criticism from prominent figures such as businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego, who joined thousands of others in denouncing the attack.
The incident has left a dark cloud over the athletic event, raising questions about sportsmanship and the need for preventive measures to avoid such altercations in the future.
Source: Latinus
