On June 9, 1997, in Marinilla, Antioquia, a woman was born who understood early on that sports are practiced not only with the body but also with the soul. María Carolina Velásquez Soto, now 28 years old, has turned every stroke, every pedal, and every stride into a declaration of love for life, discipline, and the dreams that seem impossible—until someone decides to reach them.
Her journey in triathlon did not begin with great medals, but with the curiosity of combining her passions for swimming and athletics into a single event. Since then, triathlon has become both her path and her school: it has placed difficult obstacles in front of her, but it has also given her the happiest moments of her life. With that resilient character forged in Antioquia, Carolina went from being a young athlete with Olympic dreams in 2014 to fulfilling them in a big way at Paris 2024, where she became an Olympic triathlete.
Her achievements speak of a brilliant career: gold at the 2025 Pan American Championship in Chile, gold at the 2025 World Cup in Huatulco, medals in the Americas, Australia, Venezuela, and Cuba; along with victories at the Pan American, South American, and Bolivarian Games. But behind every title lies a greater story: that of a woman who never stopped believing, even when the road was tough.
Carolina is also a psychologist, convinced that sports and knowledge are two wings needed to fly higher. Her purpose goes beyond records: she wants to inspire girls and young women who, like her, dream of reaching the very top. “Triathlon taught me that life always asks a little more from us, but also that the reward is immense when we fight with our hearts. My Olympic dream is also a collective dream, for those who believe that sports can transform destinies,” she says.
At the Fraternidad Medellín Foundation, we celebrate her journey and proudly stand by her goal. Because when Carolina runs, pedals, and swims, she does not do it alone: she carries with her the strength of Marinilla, the pride of Antioquia, and the hope of an entire country.