With the World Athletics Championships 2025 taking place in Japan from 13 to 21 September, over 2,000 athletes will take part in the competitions. Sprinter César Almirón and Lars Flaming (javelin throwing) will represent Paraguay at their respective athletic events in Tokyo between 17 and 19 September 2025. Almirón, a 24-year-old South American 200 meter champion, has come a long way to reach this point.
Adrenaline, love, and passion, from Tebicuary to Tokyo; this is the story of César Almirón.
Who is César Almirón?
César Almirón was born on 6 August 2001 in the town of Tebicuary, in the Department of Guairá, 135 kilometres southeast of Paraguay’s capital, Asunción. He hails from a very humble family. Initially, his path was not set on athletics and running. Like most Paraguayan children, he dreamt of joining the Albirroja, Paraguay’s national football team, from a young age. He was scouted by Club Libertad and briefly played for Guaireña FC.
Almirón quit playing football due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as some competitions, particularly regional ones, were suspended. His father then suggested young César to take up athletics and running to stay fit. To pursue this in a better environment, Almirón relocated to Asunción. He never returned to football and instead focused on athletics.
He is currently coached by former Paraguayan long-distance runne Plinio Penzzi. Since then, Almirón has emerged as one of Paraguay’s brightest athletics prodigy’s.
A rising star
2024 turned about to be an amazing year for the youngster. Almirón qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, a remarkable achievement not easily attained. He also broke a Paraguayan record in the 100 meter race at the South American Grand Prix 2024 in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
In 2025, so far, at the same venue, he smashed the 200m Paraguayan record.
Making Paraguayan sports history
The 24-year-old made national sporting history by clinching the gold medal in the 200 meter race on the final day of the 54th South American Athletics Championships in Mar del Plata, Argentina, earlier this year. Almirón became the first Paraguayan sprinter to claim a South American title in this event, crossing the finish line in 20.50 seconds.
A near withdraw
Despite that victory being crucial to the meteoric rise in his career, with several triumphs already to his name, the sprinter revealed, after his iconic win, he nearly withdrew:
“In the morning I woke up at 3 AM, and learned that my godfather had passed away,” he shared in an interview after his win. “This race is dedicated to him, to my family, and all my colleagues who supported me.”
César Almirón disclosed that he was grieving quietly, keeping his loss to himself. Nevertheless, he chose to compete. “I know he was pushing me throughout the entire race; he gave me strength, and that’s why I am overjoyed.”
He dedicated the victory to his family and loved ones who stood by him throughout. “I also dedicate this medal to them, the ones who have always been there for me.”
Next up for César Almirón: Tokyo!
Almirón also competed in the 4×100 meter Paraguayan relay team at the World Championships in China this year, and is now ready for his World Championship race to Japan. The men’s 200 meter race heats will be held on September 17, the semi-finals the day after, and the final on September 19. Where César Almirón aims to further cement his legacy as one of Paraguay’s most promising athletes.
You can follow César Almirón on Instagram, or lace up your running shoes, and join Asunción’s Run Club every Sunday morning!
