With the experience of having won gold in Sao Paulo 2017, Vicente Almonacid speaks from the heart about how that first major championship changed his life, the importance of competing at home, and the power of sports to transform dreams into realities. An inspiring conversation for those just starting their journey and for everyone who believes in the value of supporting and increasing the visibility of Paralympic sports.
What did it mean for you to have competed and won a gold medal at the Youth Parapan American Games?
For me, the Youth Parapan American Games were my first megaevent. Specifically, I participated in Sao Paulo 2017. Competing and winning a gold medal was a turning point in my life. It was the first time I sang the Chilean anthem on a podium, the first time I hung such an important medal around my neck, the first time I contributed to Chile's medal count. It was unique.
What do you remember most fondly about the experience of competing at the Games during your youth?
Being able to feel that, along with all my teammates from Team ParaChile, we were fighting for the same thing, that I wasn't alone in this dream. That's where friendships, that continue to this day, were born.
How do you feel knowing that Chile will host a Youth Parapan American event?
Chile demonstrated with Santiago 2023 that it is built for greatness, and hosting the Youth Parapan American Games at home will help many athletes get motivated to achieve new goals. Because competing in Chile, with your own people, is priceless.
What advice would you give to young athletes who will be participating in the Youth Parapan American Games for the first time?
To all the young athletes who have qualified, or are in the process of qualifying, I invite them, just as all my fellow athletes have done in every major event, to be aware of the responsibility that has been entrusted to them. You carry the name of an entire nation on your back. Your families and friends will be supporting you, regardless of the outcome.
Therefore, give your best in every moment of preparation for these Games, as it is the "today" that determines tomorrow. Don't be afraid to be nervous or to make mistakes; errors are part of growing. The only mistake you can't afford to make is not having tried or not having given your maximum effort.
What message would you like to send to the community about the importance of supporting and promoting the Youth Parapan American Games?
If I were to survey all the athletes who participated in Santiago 2023 about what they remember most, what they liked most, or their most exciting moment at the Games, I am sure the vast majority would answer something related to the spectators, to the people, to having our family supporting us, our friends cheering for us.
With emotion and conviction, Vicente closes this interview with a direct call to the community: "I invite the community to be part of this dream, to believe together. Because this could be the first step for many emerging athletes who will be the future of Paralympic sports in Chile." This invitation goes beyond sports: it's an opportunity to build, support, and celebrate the abilities of young Parapan American talents.