Evelyn Inga and Mary Luz Andía mark a milestone in Peruvian athletics at Paris 2024.

The recent performance of the Peruvian racewalkers at the Paris 2024 Olympics has left an indelible mark on the history of national athletics. Evelyn Inga, with her 8th place finish in the 20 km race walk, achieved the best historical result for Peruvian athletics in the Olympics, surpassing the previous record set by Eduardo Julve Ciriaco in 1948. This triumph reflects not only her talent but also the hard work and dedication she has shown throughout her career. Evelyn, who has faced significant personal challenges, such as managing her hypothyroidism, has demonstrated that passion and discipline can lead to success. Since 2022, she has fully committed to athletics, leaving behind her career in Social Work and moving from Huancayo to Arequipa to improve her performance. Her story is a testament to resilience that inspires many young athletes in the country. The competitive atmosphere in Paris was electrifying, and despite not winning a medal, the excitement of seeing Evelyn cross the finish line with the Peruvian flag in her hands was a moment of national pride. The emotional arrival of Mary Luz Andía, who finished in a commendable 12th place, also resonated with Peruvian fans. Andía's tears not only reflect her personal effort but also the ongoing struggle faced by athletes in a system that often lacks adequate support. Mary Luz has shown great emotional strength, overcoming depression after the birth of her daughter and facing the adversity of the withdrawal of the Athlete Support Program (PAD). Her need to hold raffles to fund her trip to Paris demonstrates the harsh reality faced by many Peruvian athletes, who often rely on community support to achieve their goals. The analysis of these results focuses not only on the final positions but also on the narratives of struggle and overcoming challenges that they represent. The arrival of these three athletes at the highest level of competition shows that Peruvian athletics is on a path of growth. As Giorgio Mautino, a former athlete and specialist, points out, the Peruvian team is one of the few that has managed to place three athletes in the top 16, which is a reason to celebrate and indicates the potential that Peruvian athletes have on the international stage. However, the performance of Kimberly García, who finished in 16th place, has generated mixed emotions. Expectations were high, and her performance did not meet the projections that had been assigned to her. Despite the difficulties she faced during the race, her participation remains valuable. The upcoming relay event may be an opportunity for Kimberly to seek redemption and showcase her true potential. The stories of these three athletes highlight the importance of having an appropriate support framework for athletes in Peru. Public policies need to evolve to ensure that emerging talents have the necessary resources to compete at an international level. This includes not only funding but also access to adequate facilities and training programs that foster their development. As the next Olympic cycle approaches, it is essential for the sports community, as well as the government and the private sector, to join forces to support these athletes. The emotions experienced in Paris are merely a reflection of what can be achieved with the right investment and commitment. The future of Peruvian athletics seems promising, and the success of Evelyn Inga and Mary Luz Andía may just be the beginning. With a renewed focus, increased support, and a growing awareness of the importance of sports in the country, Peru can aspire to further achievements on the Olympic stage. The story of these women is not only written with medals but also with the strength of their narratives.