Mateo Flores was a prominent Guatemalan long-distance runner, born on December 8, 1931. He gained international recognition for his achievements in the 10,000 meters, particularly during the 1952 Summer Olympics held in Helsinki, Finland. Flores became the first athlete from Guatemala to compete in the Olympics, showcasing his talent on a global stage. In addition to his Olympic participation, Mateo Flores set several national records and won multiple Central American and Caribbean Games medals. His dedication to athletics inspired many in Guatemala, and he is remembered as a significant figure in the country's sports history, contributing to the development of long-distance running in the region.