Angélica Espinoza shines in Paris as a two-time Paralympic champion: a Peruvian pride.

On August 29, the name of Angélica Espinoza resonated strongly in the hearts of all Peruvians after she was crowned a two-time Paralympic champion by winning her second gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The joy of victory was felt in every corner of the country, but for Mrs. Julia Carranza, Angélica's mother, the triumph was more than just a sporting achievement; it was the culmination of years of sacrifice and dedication that she and her family have experienced alongside their daughter. From the early hours of the morning, Mrs. Julia recalls how Angélica would wake up at 5 a.m. to train, only to return home at night, exhausted but committed to her dream. "Not a single day went by that she didn't prepare," Mrs. Julia says with nostalgia and pride. For her, every hour of training represents her daughter's effort to reach a goal that, although distant, always seemed possible thanks to her tenacity. The excitement of the gold medal was mixed with tears of happiness when Mrs. Julia saw Angélica on television singing the national anthem. "I left her a WhatsApp audio crying," she confesses, still with her voice choked with joy. That image, so vivid in her memory, symbolizes not only her daughter's victory but also the sacrifice of a whole family that has stood by her at every step of the way. Angélica's mother does not hide her admiration for her daughter's determination. "People don't always understand the effort behind a medal," she explains. According to her, competing at a global level means facing a system that, in many cases, has better resources and technology. For Angélica, being one of the best in the world, even earning diplomas in some competitions, is already a great achievement, and it is an effort that deserves to be recognized. Mrs. Julia shares the certainty that the road to Paris was not easy; it requires not only dedication but also proper management in the sports field. "It's a delicate issue that Angélica has to address when she returns," she says. With the evolution of Paralympic sports in the country, she notes that there has been progress in the response of sports institutions, although there are still aspects that need improvement. The preparation process for the competition was meticulous. Mrs. Julia remembers the long hours of training, regular visits to nutritionists, and the strict regimen her daughter had to follow. "It's not just a matter of talent; it's sacrifice and discipline," she emphasizes, as a proud smile spreads across her face. The family always dreamed of this moment. "When Angélica set her mind to it, we knew that if she worked hard, she would achieve it," Mrs. Julia explains. The initial skepticism was replaced by an unshakeable faith in her daughter's abilities, and the moment of seeing her on the podium was the realization of a dream that seemed impossible. The excitement of seeing her daughter in the world's leading newspapers fills her with indescribable pride. "I bought all the newspapers," she says, laughing, aware of the magnitude of Angélica's achievement. For her, every headline celebrating her daughter is a recognition of the effort and sacrifice they have made as a family. In such a significant moment, Mrs. Julia also calls on the authorities. "It's important that the efforts of athletes are recognized, that their achievements are highlighted, and that their sacrifices are spoken of. Angélica has shown that everything can be achieved through hard work," she asserts with determination. Her message is clear: her daughter's success should inspire others and demonstrate that perseverance and dedication can lead to glory. Thus, as the country celebrates the triumph of Angélica Espinoza, her mother remains steadfast in her conviction that every tear and every sacrifice has been worth it. Angélica's story is a testament to struggle and hope that will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of athletes.