SHAWN GOMEZ OF GALLUP HIGH SCHOOL CAN OVERCOME ADVERSITY
Shawn Gomez made the most of his years at Gallup High School. The multi-sport athlete lettered in football, wrestling, track, baseball, and participated in powerlifting. In 2021, Gomez was the state champion in the 220-pound weight class in powerlifting.
Shawn’s had his share of overcoming obstacles. In the second game of football season last fall, Shawn suffered a strained MCL that kept him sidelined for several games. After working hard to return to the field, Shawn was named to the All-District Team and named his team MVP.
Out of all the sports and activities he participates in, Shawn says wrestling is his favorite. “It’s a very challenging sport and it’s all on you,” he said. His biggest goal was to win a state championship on the mat. His junior year, he took second in his weight class. His path to the state tournament took a turn during an early season practice this past year. “When wrestling season started, I broke my right arm and that injury took me out of almost half the season,” Shawn described.
Just like he did during football season, Shawn battled back. He worked hard during rehab and returned to competition. In February, Shawn became a district champion and was able to take 2nd place at the State Wrestling Championships. “It was all about overcoming adversity and how you should act,” he said. “I’ll be dealing with experiences like this my entire life and have the opportunity to show who I am and what I can do,” he said. “A lot of people thought I would never make it to state, and I always like proving people wrong,” he said with a smile.
Shortly after the state wrestling championships, Shawn injured his knee. His goal of back-to-back state titles in powerlifting would be difficult, but he was up for the challenge. He was able to build back up enough strength to compete and finish fourth in his senior season.
Shawn says he is driven to never give up in sports and life. “The world doesn’t stop even though you might have an injury, just keep pushing through and don’t give up,” he says. Shawn has used that mentality to help others succeed as well. Shawn has worked with many of his peers, pushing them to excel in wrestling and powerlifting and helped them overcome their own struggles. “I believe sacrificing my own time and effort to help others is the true meaning of serving to lead,” he said.
Shawn graduated from Gallup High School and plans to attend New Mexico State.
