Lorenzo Vellutino, the young Peruvian kayaker who shines on the global stage.

Lorenzo Vellutino, a 22-year-old from Cusco, has established himself as one of the most prominent kayakers in the world, bringing the name of Peru to the most important international sports stages. His most recent achievement took place at the Kayak World Championship in Norway, where he faced the best in the world and secured 13th place among 160 competitors, standing out as the only Latin American in the finals. This experience not only reflects his skill in the sport but also the passion he has felt for kayaking since childhood. From a very young age, Lorenzo discovered his love for kayaking on the Futaleufú River, a paradise for rafting and kayaking in southern Chile. "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 where my passion for this sport was born," Vellutino recounts. Vacations in this remote location marked a turning point in his life, pushing him to pursue a career that has taken him to explore iconic rivers around the world. His journey is filled with sacrifices and achievements. At 14, he won a scholarship to participate in a kayaking program on the Ottawa River in Canada, which allowed him to acquire essential skills for his development as an athlete. The following year, he joined the World Class Kayak Academy in the United States, globally recognized for its focus on kayaking excellence. This experience not only gave him the opportunity to paddle on iconic rivers, such as the White Nile in Africa, but also involved considerable separation from his loved ones, a testament to his dedication and commitment. The recent competition in Norway was a significant challenge, but Lorenzo feels optimistic about his future. "I hoped to go further, but I am sure there will be new opportunities. I plan to keep paddling and push my limits to achieve my best version," he confesses. This resilient spirit is one of the qualities that set him apart and has led him to face turbulent waters with courage. However, Lorenzo's journey also faces significant obstacles. Despite his talent and dedication, the lack of financial support is a concern for him. The scarcity of sponsors limits his ability to train and compete at the highest level. "Unfortunately, the kayaking scene in Peru is very small, even though there are good places to practice it," he explains. For him, the growth of the sport at the national level is crucial to attracting the attention of potential sponsors. Despite these challenges, Lorenzo does not give up. He has designed a project in collaboration with Columbia Sportswear Peru, focused on exploring new kayaking destinations in the country. "The idea is to find rivers and waterfalls that meet the conditions for practicing this sport," he says, showing his commitment not only to his career but also to the future of kayaking in Peru. This project could be a significant step toward promoting this discipline in the Andean country. In the meantime, Lorenzo balances his passion with his work as an adventure guide in the family business, allowing him to earn some income to continue his training. Despite the difficulties, his commitment to the sport remains strong. In September, he plans to travel to Mexico, to the Veracruz area, to continue training and gaining experience. The story of Lorenzo Vellutino is a testament to dedication, passion, and perseverance. With talent and a clear vision, this young kayaker has the potential to become a reference in the sport at a global level. He just needs an additional push to take off and show that, with effort and determination, all adversities can be overcome. The Peruvian sports community eagerly awaits his next move on the international stage, hoping that his success will inspire other young people to follow in his footsteps and explore the exciting world of kayaking.