BREAKING: Shohei Ohtani shocked the MLB world by donating $2 million to Candelaria Rivas Ramos, a Mexican minority woman who walked 14 hours from her home in a small mountain town to compete in the 2025 Canyon Super Marathon. Ohtani’s next 14 MEANINGFUL WORDS brought Ramos to tears: “No one has ever treated me like this.”
On August 3, 2025, the sports world witnessed an extraordinary act of generosity that transcended borders and touched hearts globally. Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar, donated $2 million to Candelaria Rivas Ramos, a 30-year-old Rarámuri woman from a remote mountain village in Chihuahua, Mexico, who captured international attention by winning the women’s division of the 2025 Canyon Super Marathon. Ramos, with no formal training and wearing handmade huarache sandals, walked 14 hours to reach the starting line of the 63-kilometer race in Guachochi, completing it in an astonishing 7 hours and 34 minutes. Ohtani’s donation, coupled with his heartfelt words, “Your strength inspires us all; this is for your family and future dreams,” left Ramos in tears as she responded, “No one has ever treated me like this.”
Ramos, a member of the Rarámuri people, known for their long-distance running prowess, had never competed in such an event before. Her journey to the marathon was as remarkable as her victory. Living in a remote area of the Sierra Madre Occidental, she traversed rugged terrain to participate, driven by a desire to honor her community and family. Her win, earning a modest prize of 7,000 Mexican pesos ($370), inspired millions, but it was Ohtani’s gesture that elevated her story to a global stage. The $2 million donation, announced during a virtual press conference on August 5, 2025, will support Ramos’s family, fund her children’s education, and establish a small crafts business to sustain her community’s traditions.
Ohtani, who has solidified his status as a global icon with a historic 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, is no stranger to using his platform for good. In January 2025, he donated $500,000 to Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts, supporting firefighters, evacuees, and animals affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. His latest act of philanthropy, however, resonates deeply due to its personal connection. Ohtani, watching the marathon highlights, was moved by Ramos’s determination and humility. In a statement, he said, “Candelaria’s story shows what the human spirit can achieve. I wanted to support her and her people’s legacy.” The donation, drawn from his $100 million in 2025 endorsement earnings from brands like Nike and New Balance, underscores his commitment to giving back.
The Rarámuri, whose name translates to “foot runner” or “light feet,” are renowned for their endurance, often running long distances in minimal footwear. Ramos’s victory in the Canyon Super Marathon, a grueling race through Chihuahua’s mountainous terrain, highlighted this cultural strength. Her story, amplified by Ohtani’s generosity, has sparked global conversations about resilience, indigenous pride, and the power of recognition. Social media erupted with praise, with fans calling Ohtani’s gesture a “game-changer” for indigenous athletes. Ramos, overwhelmed by the support, plans to use part of the funds to create a running program for Rarámuri youth, ensuring her people’s traditions endure.
Ohtani’s 2025 season has been a blend of on-field brilliance and off-field impact. As the 2024 National League MVP and the first MLB player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season, he continues to redefine baseball. His personal life, too, has been in the spotlight, with the birth of his daughter, Hana Decoy Ohtani, in April 2025, alongside his wife, Mamiko Tanaka. Yet, his decision to champion Ramos reflects a deeper mission. By spotlighting an indigenous woman’s triumph, Ohtani has used his global influence to uplift a marginalized voice, earning admiration beyond the sports world.
As Ramos begins a new chapter, her story and Ohtani’s generosity serve as a powerful reminder of human connection. The $2 million will transform her family’s future, but Ohtani’s 14 words—spoken with sincerity during a video call—resonated most: “Your strength inspires us all; this is for your family and future dreams.” Ramos’s tearful response captured the moment’s weight, as she became a symbol of perseverance and hope. This act of kindness, bridging cultures and continents, cements Ohtani’s legacy not just as a baseball legend but as a compassionate global citizen.
