From San Ignacio to Chetumal: Belizean Abigail Quiroz balances forensic dreams and sporting glory

Posted: Wednesday, August 20, 2025. 1:28 pm CST.

Abigail Marie Quiroz – Photo Credit: Periodismo Urbano Alexander Dorado, Yensunni Martinez, Bakab Balam, Abigail Quiroz

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belizean student Abigail Quiroz delivered a standout performance at the Verano Xul-Ha 2025 Multi-Sports Tournament in Quintana Roo, Mexico, helping Team Bakab Balam earn multiple podium finishes and an overall second-place standing among more than 300 competitors.

Quiroz’s contributions were instrumental in securing top results across several events:

• 1st Place – Volleyball
• 1st Place – Kayak
• 3rd Place – Tug of War
• 2nd Place – Knowledge Competition

The three-day event brought together athletes from ten teams across the region, competing in a wide range of sports and academic challenges. Quiroz, originally from San Ignacio in the Cayo District, was the only Belizean participant. She joined Team Bakab Balam, a multidisciplinary squad known for its competitive spirit and cultural representation, after being invited by team captain Héctor H. Santin Villanueva.

“He saw I was a potential candidate,” Quiroz said. “I’m currently also in a league happening right now for flag football. I’m hoping my team and I succeed.”

Abigail Marie Quiroz aspires to become a forensic pathologist – Photo Courtesy: Abigail Marie Quiroz

Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminology, criminalistics, and forensic science at Instituto Wozniak—a private university in Chetumal—Quiroz has been living in Mexico since 2024. Her academic journey is rooted in a deep interest in forensic pathology, shaped by hands-on experiences in Belize where she assisted forensic pathologists at crime scenes and observed autopsies as part of a learning initiative.

“I’ve always knew that I wanted to be a doctor, but I wasn’t so sure what type of doctor I wanted to be until I got a little bit older,” Quiroz said. “I decided to get more into the fields and see what type of doctor I wanted to be… I really like working in the field of forensics.”

Quiroz previously studied business administration at Sacred Heart Junior College but shifted to science after the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted her studies. She also attended Sacred Heart High School and Ocean Academy in Caye Caulker, where she was active in both land and water sports—including volleyball, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, and scuba diving.

Abigail Marie Quiroz and her Bakab Balam teammates won the kayak competition at the Verano Xul-Ha 2025 Multi-Sports Tournament in Chetumal Mexico with team Bakab Balam – Photo Credit: Yensunni Martínez

Her involvement in flag football in Chetumal led to her selection for the tournament, and she remains active in the sport today.

“This is my first time, my first year,” Quiroz said. “I was a little bit nervous, but I decided, okay, this is what I want to do. I want to try it and see what it’s like.”

The 30-player team trained intensively for several weeks, preparing for a range of events. Quiroz described the experience as transformative.

“I had an amazing experience,” Quiroz said. “I did everything, me and my team. We came together… we all worked ourselves and we pushed very hard. We had to do intense training… we were constantly at the gyms, constantly doing competitions with each other… growing mentally and physically to get ready for this sport.”

Bakab Balam tied in the overall standings with another top-performing team—Bellakos—and faced off in a final tug-of-war match to determine the champion. Despite their efforts, Bakab Balam dropped the decisive match and finished second overall.

The tournament, last held in 2018 and 2019, returned this year with renewed energy, and Quiroz hopes to compete again in 2026.

Abigail Marie Quiroz in Tug of War competition in Chetumal Mexico with team Bakab Balam -Photo Credit: Periodismo Urbano Alexander Dorado

Looking ahead, she’s exploring scholarship opportunities to continue her medical studies in English-speaking countries, with options in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Georgia (Europe). She hopes to transition from forensic science into full medical training to become a forensic pathologist.

“I’m hoping that I can get the scholarships that I need so that I can go on and fulfill the dreams,” Quiroz said. “I want to study medicine in English so I can understand and grow.”

Quiroz’s journey—academic, athletic, and aspirational—reflects the resilience, ambition, and pride that Belizeans continue to demonstrate on the international stage.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.

© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.

The post From San Ignacio to Chetumal: Belizean Abigail Quiroz balances forensic dreams and sporting glory appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Wednesday, August 20, 2025. 1:28 pm CST. Abigail Marie Quiroz – Photo Credit: Periodismo Urbano Alexander Dorado, Yensunni Martinez, Bakab Balam, Abigail Quiroz By Rubén
The post From San Ignacio to Chetumal: Belizean Abigail Quiroz balances forensic dreams and sporting glory appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.