Mercedes Román

Mercedes Román was a Mexican all-round track and field athlete who specialised in the pentathlon. Born in Madrid in 1945, Román came to Mexico with her family when she was seven-years-old. Her first major international competition was the 1967 Pan American Games where she ran in the 4 x 100 metres relay, in addition to finishing ninth in the long jump. The following year she was selected to compete at her home Olympics at the 1968 Mexico City Games. Again she competed in the relay and the long jump, in addition to participating in the pentathlon. In the latter she finished a disappointing 31st out of 33 athletes after failing to make a valid clearance in the high jump.

In 1970 Román won bronze in both the pentathlon and the 4 x 100 metres relay at the Central American and Caribbean Games. Four years later she had more success at these Games, with silver in the 100 metres hurdles and bronze once again in the relay and pentathlon. She also made two more appearances at the Pan American Games, competing in 1971 and 1975. Her best results came at the 1971 edition, finishing fourth in the 100 metres hurdles and sixth in the pentathlon. After her competitive career Román became a coach and an international judge.

Personal Bests: 100 – 12.0 (1968); LJ – 5.94 (1968); Pen – 4290 (1968).