Have you ever thought to yourself about how it would be if you played your favorite sport in another part of the world? This dream has become a reality for many, including the Costa Rican thrower for Weber State, Jeims Molina. Molina has been an athlete for Weber State since the fall of 2023, but his love for this sport started way earlier.
When Molina was in 7th grade in Grecia, Costa Rica, his coach asked him if he was interested in joining the track and field team. Molina accepted the invitation and started to make a name for himself. However, the path he was embarking on was not an easy one. Living in the United States, many Americans underestimate the difficulties other countries go through. A lack of good infrastructure in Central America has been one reason why it is difficult for those pursuing the sport.
It is common for track and field throwers to get injured during their weight training or inside the throwing ring itself. In 2018, there was a national competition in El Salvador in which Molina represented Costa Rica. Following his normal training, Molina broke his wrist. Not letting the injury stop him, Molina continued to compete at the national level throughout Central America. He competed that way until he was recruited at Weber State.
“Once you finish the process, there’ll be a lot of benefits,” Molina said as advice for international students looking to play their sport in another country.
Being an athlete is not easy, and sometimes it’s tiring, but for Molina, it will all be worth it.
In fact, for the past year, Molina has been battling a knee injury. Molina said determination, in all those years of practice and competition, is what has stayed with him the most.
Molina is looking forward to graduating as a student-athlete and staying in track and field. His goal is to compete in the 2028 Olympics.
Although he has dual citizenship, Molina said he feels indebted to Costa Rica and would like to represent it in the Olympics. Molina also wants to become a coach to give back what he has received from his own community.
