LAREDO, TEXAS — Jennifer Lozano’s ascent from the humble streets of Laredo, Texas, to the prestigious Olympic arena in Paris epitomizes resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome significant personal and professional obstacles. At the tender age of 9, while growing up in a culturally vibrant city where approximately 90% of the population speaks Spanish, Lozano began to dream of the possibilities her sport could afford her. Her relentless pursuit of this dream reached a pinnacle when she secured her place in the 2024 Paris Olympics at the Pan American Games, a landmark achievement she described as both surreal and profoundly rewarding.

“That was surreal. I just couldn’t believe what was right in my hand,” Lozano expressed in an interview with NBC News. “It was something I had worked incredibly hard for and had dreamt about for so many years, right from my childhood. Everything I had endured to reach this point made it all the more special.”

Lozano's journey, however, was not devoid of challenges. During her formative school years, she endured teasing related to her weight and Spanish accent, despite her community’s significant Spanish-speaking population. Confronted with such bullying, Lozano turned to her grandmother for guidance, a figure who provided her with the strength and courage to confront these adversities.

“She just told me, ‘Sweetheart, if someone ever hits you, you hit them back. Don’t allow it,’” Lozano recounted on NBC’s “My New Favorite Olympian” podcast. “I thought, ‘You’re right.’”

Following her grandmother’s sage advice, Lozano began training at a local boxing gym, where she rapidly developed a deep passion for the sport. “I went and I loved it,” she recalled. “The environment was intensely hot, but the thrill of shadow boxing and learning the fundamentals, even without physically engaging with others, instilled a profound sense of confidence in me. I thought, ‘Damn, I know how to fight.’”

Despite often being the only female in the gym, Lozano embraced her role with tenacity and skill. “It reached a point where the guys didn’t want to spar with me anymore because I would leave them bleeding,” she said. “I’d hit them too hard, or they simply didn’t want to be outperformed by a girl. Their frustration and anger were palpable.”

Lozano’s early dedication bore fruit swiftly. Within just a month of training, she was invited to join her gym’s competitive team. Her rapid rise in the boxing world led to notable achievements, including victories at the National Junior Olympics in 2015 and 2016, and the National Golden Gloves Championships in 2018 and 2019. Her grandmother, a steadfast supporter, affectionately dubbed her “La Traviesa,” meaning “troublemaker,” a reflection of her dynamic and disruptive presence in the ring.

A devastating blow came in August 2019 when Lozano's grandmother, a pillar of support, passed away from a heart attack. Lozano discovered her grandmother’s death after days of unsuccessful attempts to reach her, leading to a poignant and heart-wrenching moment. “I remember looking at her, and I don’t know why I had this urge, but I ended up just slightly flipping her over,” she said. “So I flipped her back, and I guess that’s the last confirmation. My body, my conscience, needed to confirm. That’s when I just started screaming.”

In the aftermath of her grandmother’s death, Lozano's coaches advised her to delay her fights, but Lozano was determined to honor her grandmother’s memory. “I promised my grandma I was going to fight,” she said. Although she continued to win, her grief and anger began to overshadow her victories, affecting her demeanor and interactions.

“It just took over me completely. I became blinded by anger, and it led to me pushing people away because I was struggling with my own self-worth,” Lozano admitted. “I wanted to isolate myself. From then on, I sought help and began therapy.”

Seven months after her grandmother's passing, Lozano began to find a semblance of peace, which was reflected in her performance. She went on to win the USA Boxing Elite National Championships for three consecutive years, starting in 2020. With the Paris Olympics approaching, Lozano is poised to carry her “troublemaker” nickname into the global arena, representing both her hometown of Laredo and the United States with pride.

“It gives me chills, because it’s incredible,” Lozano said of her Olympic qualification. “I made it. Every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears, every sacrifice, every challenge I faced — it was all worth it.”

As the Paris Games draw near, Lozano reflects on the profound significance of her role as an Olympian. “It feels amazing to represent not just the U.S., but also Mexico and Latinas,” she said. “Being a part of this journey is a step forward for Mexican Americans, Latinas, and Latinos, demonstrating that anything is possible. Regardless of the trauma or obstacles life throws at you, if you truly desire to make a change and are dedicated and disciplined, you can achieve your dreams and inspire others to do the same.”