HispanicBusiness

Mexicans around the country were glued to their TV sets early Thursday as two Mexican archers got second and third places in the women's individual competition at the London 2012 Olympic Games, garnering Mexico's third silver and first bronze medals.

Immediately after the historic duel, Mexico's President Felipe Calderon interrupted a meeting with state governors to telephone silver medalist Aida Roman Arroyo and bronze medalist Mariana Avitia Martinez, to congratulate them and praise their dedication to the sport.

Calderon "was super excited to find out that yes, we can, and that Mexico has a new generation of winning athletes," said Avitia, about the call and the outcome of the contest at Lord's Cricket Ground.

Avitia added Calderon told her he broke up a meeting with state leaders, so they could all watch the competition.

"He was in a meeting with governors and he told them to go watch the Mexican athletes on television. One of them asked who was competing, and he said it was us," said Ramirez.

Calderon also asked the winning pair to congratulate their trainers and family, for their support.

First Lady Margarita Zavala, meanwhile, was reporting on the progress of the game via her Twitter account, and ended with a congratulatory message to the women.

Other politicians also rushed to congratulate the winners, including Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard and persumptive President- elect Enrique Pena Nieto, of the returning Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), who was declared the winner of general elections held this past July 1.

Calderon's ruling National Action Party (PAN) suffered its worst defeat, losing not only the presidency, but numerous gubernatorial and congressional seats.

The Olympic contest, watched by a reportedly packed stadium, marked the first time Mexico has won in Olympic archery.

Roman lost the gold to South Korea's Ki Bo Bae, by 6 sets to 5, while Avitia beat the U.S.'s Khatuna Lorig, 6-2, to secure the bronze.