BTN News: The Paris 2024 Olympics have concluded, and while Colombian athletes brought home three silver medals and one bronze, the event sparked controversy on social media. Discontent emerged among followers of the event, with some criticizing the athletes’ performances. Notably, Esteban Santos, son of former President Juan Manuel Santos, weighed in, adding fuel to the debate. In response, prominent figures in Colombian sports, including the celebrated double Olympic medalist Caterine Ibargüen, spoke out, calling for respect and greater support for the athletes who represented Colombia.
Ibargüen, a decorated athlete who has become a household name in Colombia after her triumphs in the 2016 Rio Olympics, used her platform to address deeper concerns that go beyond the performances seen in Paris. In an interview with ‘Canal RCN,’ she emphasized the critical need for increased investment in sports within Colombia, particularly in light of the recent budget cuts announced by the national government.
The Colombian Ministry of Sport, led by Minister Luz Cristina López, recently announced a significant reduction in the 2025 budget, citing the country’s ongoing fiscal challenges. Ibargüen, however, argued that such cuts could be detrimental to the future of Colombian sports. She pointed out that relying solely on human talent without proper financial support is not sustainable if the country hopes to achieve more Olympic success in the future.
Ibargüen passionately articulated that sports should be seen as a powerful tool for social transformation in Colombia, a country where many children see athletic success as their ticket out of poverty. She stressed that it is imperative to start nurturing young talent now if Colombia hopes to secure more medals and international recognition in the years to come. The Olympian also highlighted that Colombia is brimming with untapped potential, particularly in rural areas where aspiring athletes lack the resources to develop their skills.
The situation, as Ibargüen sees it, is urgent. Without sufficient funding, the country risks allowing these “diamonds” of talent to remain hidden, unpolished, and unrecognized on the world stage. The support of the government and other relevant entities is crucial, she insisted, not only for the sake of winning medals but for the broader impact that sports can have on Colombian society.
Ibargüen’s call to action is clear: Colombians must continue to support their athletes, and the government must reconsider its stance on budget cuts to ensure that sports remain a priority. This support is not just about achieving Olympic glory; it’s about providing opportunities for young Colombians to transform their lives through sports. As Ibargüen aptly noted, the country’s future in sports—and the potential it holds for social change—depends on the decisions made today.
The Minister of Sport, Luz Cristina López, acknowledged the difficult decision to reduce the budget, emphasizing that the economic situation necessitated such measures. However, the outcry from sports figures like Ibargüen highlights a critical debate within Colombia: how to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to invest in areas that can drive long-term positive change, like sports.
As the country reflects on its performance in Paris 2024, the conversation is likely to continue, with many echoing Ibargüen’s sentiments that more needs to be done to support Colombia’s athletes. The road to future Olympic success is paved not just with talent and determination, but with the resources and support that can help athletes reach their full potential. Without this, Colombia risks falling short not just in medal counts, but in the broader goal of using sports as a means to uplift and empower its youth.
