Colombia is gearing up for its next Olympics, with hopes high for the Paris 2024 Games to be a memorable and historic event. The Colombian delegation aims to secure at least five medals, aspiring to match the ten medals won during the Rio 2016 Games.
Historically, the Colombian Olympic team began to gain traction in the last twelve years, particularly since the London 2012 Games. Before that, the country’s achievements were scarce, often leaving empty-handed from the competitions.
The Colombian Olympic Committee has sent 88 athletes to compete, and there are optimistic expectations regarding the medal tally. Many athletes are strong contenders for a spot on the podium, with several favorites for gold.
Colombia made its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles Games in 1932, represented by just one athlete, Jorge Perry, who unfortunately withdrew after running 10 kilometers in the marathon. It wasn’t until the 1972 Munich Games that Colombia won its first medals, with Helmut Bellingrodt taking silver in shooting and boxers Alfonso Pérez and Clemente Rojas earning bronze.
As it stands, Colombia has accumulated a total of 34 medals across 20 Olympic appearances, including five gold, thirteen silver, and sixteen bronze, ranking 60th among all countries that have achieved podium positions.
Despite this, Colombia lags behind other Latin American nations with stronger Olympic traditions, such as Cuba and Brazil, which have won 235 and 150 medals respectively, along with Argentina’s 77 and Mexico’s 73.
It’s noteworthy that out of the 20 Olympic events Colombia has participated in, it has returned without medals in 10 of them, including the Atlanta 1996 Games, where the country sent 48 athletes across nine sports.
Ciro Solano, the president of the Colombian Olympic Committee, highlighted several athletes with potential for success at Paris 2024. Many boast considerable experience, while others are in remarkable form as the games approach.
Solano pointed out athletes like Yeison López in weightlifting, Kevin Quintero in track cycling, and thrower Flor Denis Ruiz as strong medal prospects. He also emphasized Mariana Pajón’s prowess, considering her the only Colombian to have won three Olympic medals—two golds and a silver. The prospects for women’s boxing are also promising, with medallists Jenny Arias, Ingrit Valencia, and Angie Valdés representing a solid hope for the team’s success.
Other notable mentions include BMX athlete Carlos RamÃrez, known for his fierce competition, and Tatiana RenterÃa in wrestling, who recently secured a bronze at the World Championships. In track cycling, Martha Bayona has also shown tremendous promise as a previous world medallist. Additionally, Lorena Arenas, who competes in race walking, benefits from excellent training and coaching.
Though the Colombian women’s football team faces a challenging group, there is a belief that if they can advance past the initial stages, they could make a significant impression.
The commitment and aspirations leading into Paris 2024 indicate an exciting time ahead for Colombian athletes and supporters alike.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/colombia/deportes/2024/07/25/asi-va-colombia-en-el-medallero-historico-de-los-juegos-olimpicos-esta-muy-lejos-de-los-grandes/
