Lorenzo Vellutino: the young Peruvian kayaker who aims to promote his sport.

In the vibrant world of extreme sports, few stories are as inspiring as that of Lorenzo Vellutino, a young Peruvian of just 22 years who has managed to stand out as one of the best kayakers on the planet. Recently, this talented athlete participated in the Kayak World Championship held in stunning Norway, where he competed against athletes from around the world and achieved an impressive 13th place among 160 competitors. His participation not only positions him in a privileged spot in the kayaking arena, but also highlights the need to promote this sport in his home country, Peru. Born and raised in Cusco, Lorenzo discovered his passion for kayaking in a small town in Chilean Patagonia called Futaleufú, known for its spectacular rivers. From his first strokes, Lorenzo was captivated by the adrenaline and natural beauty that this sport offers in environments like this. "It's one of the most impressive rivers I've ever been on. I've been kayaking since I was very young, but it was here that my passion for this sport was born," Vellutino recalls, reminiscing about his childhood days. His journey to the elite was not easy. At 14, he won a scholarship for a kayaking program in Canada, and a year later, he joined the World Class Kayak Academy in the United States, where he had the chance to paddle on some of the most iconic rivers in the world, such as the White Nile in Africa. These sacrifices, far from his family and friends, were necessary to shape him into a true champion in a sport that demands so much both physically and mentally. Lorenzo has been fortunate enough to explore spectacular landscapes through his passion for kayaking. In preparation for the World Championship, he ventured to do waterfall descents in Iceland, a place that attracted many experts for its challenging currents. Despite his effort and dedication, the young athlete felt somewhat disappointed with his performance at the world championship, although he remained optimistic: “I was the only Latin American who competed in the finals. I hoped to go further, but I am sure there will be new opportunities.” Despite his success, Lorenzo faces a significant challenge: the lack of financial support in the kayaking world in Peru. "Unfortunately, the kayaking scene in Peru is very small, even though there are great places to practice it," he laments. For him, promoting this sport is essential to gain the backing he needs to continue his career and participate in high-level international competitions. Immersed in this reality, Lorenzo is working on a project that seeks to explore new rivers and waterfalls in Peru, supported by Columbia Sportswear Peru. “The idea is to find rivers and waterfalls that meet the conditions to practice this sport,” he explains. This approach could help increase the visibility of kayaking in the country, as well as attract the interest of potential sponsors. Still, the difficulty in finding the right support has led Lorenzo to balance his passion with other jobs. Currently, he works as an adventure guide in the family business, which allows him to earn some income while continuing to pursue his dream. "I would like to dedicate myself entirely to kayaking, but I need to ensure my livelihood," he states. As the young athlete prepares for his next adventure in Mexico, in the Veracruz area, he makes it clear that his determination and talent are undeniable. "I have plenty of drive and talent to be the best in the world. I just need that necessary push to take off, and no one will be able to stop me," concludes Lorenzo, with his eyes set on a future that undoubtedly promises great things for him and for the sport of kayaking in Peru. With his story, Vellutino not only inspires other young athletes but also reminds us of the importance of fostering and supporting sports disciplines in our country, so that talent like his does not get lost along the way due to a lack of opportunities. His dream is possible, and with effort and determination, Lorenzo Vellutino could become a reference point for kayaking in the world.