KGNS Sports Director Ryan Bailey looks back on Jennifer Lozano’s Olympic journey

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – For nearly a decade, Ryan Bailey, KGNS Sports Director and Sports Anchor, has followed Jennifer Lozano’s path to the Olympic Games. As Lozano prepares to compete, Bailey reflects on the years of coverage that have documented her journey from local success to the world stage.

“I’ve been invested in Jennifer Lozano’s story for eight years now,” Bailey said. “There is nothing but pride that comes from seeing her and all that she’s accomplished.”

Bailey, who has covered sports for 15 years, recalls the early days of Lozano’s career. “I think the first picture I have of her was from 2016. She went to Dallas for nationals, and they sent me a picture of a little medal she won with some golden gloves on it. It’s been a better part of a decade now that we’ve been tracking her, following her.”

Before Lozano’s rise to national and international recognition, Bailey witnessed her try her hand at other sports. “I remember one time — this was a handful of years ago, I showed up to a girls’ soccer game. She was on the bench. I thought, ‘Wait a second, you’re not supposed to be here—you’re supposed to be in the ring.’ So sometimes we get this vision of people only as what we see them as, and she has a lot of layers to her.”

Bailey also noted Lozano’s dedication and sacrifices. “She’s been training in Colorado Springs for the last year and a half. That means missing holidays, birthdays, and time with friends. Those are real sacrifices needed to get to this level.”

Bailey cherishes the behind-the-scenes moments he has shared with Lozano. “We got into the ring with Jenny back in November at her training gym with Eddie and her. My wife was there, and Jenny was hitting the pads. My wife said, ‘I want to wear the pads,’ and Jenny kind of looked at her like, ‘Are you sure you want to wear the pads?’ My wife got kind of scared off.”

For Bailey, capturing Lozano’s journey is similar to his work with other athletes. “We use that iceberg analogy. I’m trying to show you all those things that you don’t see. Whether it’s Jenny going off to the Olympics or high school football and basketball, I want to give you an inside look that you don’t get sitting at home.”

Lozano’s story continues to unfold, and Bailey remains dedicated to recording and narrating it. “That little girl I covered when she was 13 or 14 years old is now doing pieces on NBC Nightly News. She’s there to do work. She has said from the beginning that the gold medal is what she’s going for.”

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