"Stefano Peschiera brings hope to Peru with his bronze in sailing at Paris 2024."

The recent achievement of Stefano Peschiera in winning the bronze medal in sailing has unleashed a wave of emotion and hope in Peru, a country that hasn't seen an athlete on the Olympic podium in over three decades. This triumph is not only a source of pride but also highlights the adverse conditions faced by our athletes. Peschiera has become a symbol of perseverance, representing the efforts of a generation of athletes who, for the most part, have had to forge their own paths in an environment that does not always support elite sports. Throughout these two weeks of competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics, we have closely followed the stories of Peruvian athletes, who have shown that despite the difficulties, they are capable of achieving extraordinary feats. Among them, María Belén Bazo and Alonso Correa, who came just shy of the podium in windsurfing and surfing, respectively, have demonstrated that Peruvian talent is present, even though it is often limited by a lack of resources and institutional support. The challenges faced by our athletes are not new. The story of Bazo, who turned to digital platforms for funding, and that of Correa, whose coach revealed he had no sponsorship until recently, are just two examples of a reality that needs to change. This situation highlights the importance of more solid and systematic support from the state and the private sector, which must actively engage in promoting sports in the country. Meanwhile, the performances of Evelyn Inga and Mary Luz Andía in the racewalking competition underscore what Peruvian athletes can achieve despite obstacles. Inga, who finished in eighth place, battled not only against the clock but also against hypothyroidism, which could have limited her performance. Andía, for her part, reminds us that support for athletes should not depend on external circumstances and that it is essential to maintain a consistent commitment to their development. We cannot overlook Kimberly García and César Rodríguez, who also excelled in the relay race, finishing fourth and just 18 seconds away from the podium. Each of these athletes, regardless of their final ranking, has shown that they are already winners simply for having reached the pinnacle of world sports. Their effort and dedication deserve recognition and celebration. The challenge now is how to reward these athletes for their sacrifices. The answer lies in creating a conducive environment for the development of sports in Peru. This involves not only generating resources but also establishing a culture that values and promotes sports at all levels. It is essential for the government, businesses, and society as a whole to commit to working together in this direction. The 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games served as a catalyst for the passion for sports in the country. The hope is that the 2027 Games will continue this trend and become an opportunity to reinvigorate the commitment to sports in Peru. It is not just about accumulating medals, but about cultivating values that benefit our society, such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Ultimately, the future of Peruvian sports should not depend on luck or the individual talent of a few. We need stories that reflect the collective triumph of a country united in pursuit of a common goal: the development of a structured and effective sports system that provides our youth with the opportunities they deserve. Therefore, as we look to the future, it is crucial that the stories of our Olympic athletes become narratives of shared overcoming. We thank our athletes for their dedication and effort, and we hope that their legacy inspires new generations to follow in their footsteps, in an environment that supports and fosters their growth.