“They told me to write to them on WhatsApp and they never responded”: The real reason for the athlete who rejected a diploma from the mayor who previously ignored him

How long does it take you to win a medal at the Pan American Games? In the history of the kayaker Eriberto Gutierrez, the journey begins with a long walk of an hour and a half from the community of Huirahuacho to the district of Circa. Then, take a bus for another hour and a half from Circa to the capital of the Apurímac department, Abancay. Then, get on a bus for 16 hours heading to the great Lima. And finally, getting on a plane for 3 and a half hours to Santiago de Chile.

That is almost an Ironman, which the young Peruvian does alone. Maybe that’s why he was so angry.

The illustrious son of an Andean town knows this, who days ago gave a lesson in humility and bravery when he faced Abanquino mayor Raúl Peña, who tried to claim part of the glory that the 30-year-old athlete achieved with his bronze medal in Canoeing. Kayak Cross K1 Men’s modality, at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.

And in a gesture multiplied thousands of times online, Eriberto Gutiérrez took off the medal, folded the diploma and returned it to him.

What does the bronze medal mean to you?

There are four years of my life invested, forged and reflected in this medal. Not only of my life, but also of my parents, of the people who were present and who collaborated with a grain of sand to reach this goal. To all those who support me as an athlete, very grateful to them

How much does your family represent in the achievement you achieved?

They were there at all times. They are the only ones who were there through the good times, the bad times and the worst. A sports career is very difficult, it is not well received by many. And well, the truth is, the life of the athlete is very sad because of the little support, but achievements are brought and it is a joy for all of Peru.

Is it true that you train among the rivers that are close to your house?

I live in a hut in the middle of the Pachachaca and Chilcón (Abancay) rivers. In Pachachaca I train in the season when it does not rain, and in Chilcón when the season increases the flow of the river, and thus I can train with greater intensity. On that side, I am very privileged because I have both rivers at my disposal.

Peru Brand

Scene. “The effort was mine alone,” said Eriberto, standing on the stage where the Abancay authorities wanted to decorate him after failing to provide him with support on more than one occasion. The phrase may be the slogan of many athletes in Peru who have to move heaven and earth to advance their careers and goals. The support of the IPD is increasingly noticeable, without a doubt. It should be noted that the true legacy of Lima 2019 has been the 32 medals won in Santiago (10 gold, 6 silver, 16 bronze). But, behind it there are many stories with great efforts to fulfill the dream.

“I didn’t deserve the medal that they (Municipalida de Abancay) wanted to give me, it didn’t represent me,” she says now through the cell phone that she was able to charge at the house of Mirian Estrada, her youngest daughter’s elementary school teacher. He, along with his family, lives in a hut near the community of Huirahuacho (Apurímac), in the Peruvian Andes. There is a lot of love in that home, but they do not have the basic services of electricity and water. For this reason, he is supported by his acquaintances to have a battery in his cell phone and respond to the national press for the act of courage that led his story to become a trend on social networks.

Did you plan to confront the mayor of Abancay Raúl Peña in public or was it a spur-of-the-moment reaction?

I didn’t want that medal. That reaction was of the moment. I saw my sporting life pass by my eyes very quickly, and that gave me the courage to be able to tell him, simply, in very few words what I felt. I didn’t think it was going to go viral. I have felt a lot of support from people.

How many times have you turned to the mayor of Abancay for support?

They were twice. The first in the municipality, and again in the Plaza de Armas of Abancay. He told me that he was going to support me. He left me with one of his closest friends. They asked me what he needed. I told them that I did not have the sports equipment, including the kayak for the modality in which I won the medal. They told me not to call them and to only write to them on WhatsApp. I did so, but I didn’t get a response at any time, they never responded to me. I went to follow up on my case and it had been referred to the Social Development management. I didn’t have a response there either. It had been archived. Then they transferred it to the office of the House of Culture and the same thing happened.

How long did they make you wait?

I submitted the last document in August, but many months passed before they responded to me.

What equipment did you compete with in Santiago?

I don’t have the Kayak Cross, I competed with one lent by the organization. The Kayak, the vest, the helmet were borrowed. It wasn’t that maneuverable, but it was what it was. I was able to take advantage of them. Only the oar belonged to me.

What do you do outside of sports?

I studied to drive and maintain heavy machinery, but I don’t practice it. I support my home by working in the tourist activity of my town, and I also farm on my family’s farm. I have a small plantation of avocados that I do not produce yet because they are in full growth.

Do you feel like your life has changed in the last few weeks?

I’m focusing on turning the page, forgetting what happened. The life of the athlete continues. I have to keep up with my training. I got my revenge in Santiago because in Lima 2019 I finished in fifth place. Now I must continue.

What’s next for you before Paris 2024?

I couldn’t be at the Pre-Olympic in the United Kingdom for financial reasons. In March of next year I have the pre-Olympic repechage in Brazil. I am looking for sponsorships that can be added so that I can complete my Olympic cycle and not only stay in the Pan American Games.