NEW DELHI: At the age of sixteen, most teenagers are worried about going to school, pursuing hobbies, or weaving dreams about their future. But for Colombia’s Angie Nicoll Mejía Morales, the future arrived early—under the dazzling lights of the New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday.
Angie clocked 12.34 seconds in the women’s T38 100m event, setting a new Championship Record and winning the gold medal. It was her first-ever World Championship race, yet it seemed as if Angie was made for this very stage. Just minutes after her remarkable victory, she stood before the cameras —astonished, elated, and almost speechless.
She said, “Honestly, my mind is still blank. I still can’t believe it. I never expected this because athletics was never something I wanted to do. But today my body just responded on its own, and I’m very, very happy.”
However, this “unexpected” win did not come by chance. It was the result of years of persistence, persuasion, and guidance. Angie was quick to name the person who never let her give up.
“I want to thank Professor Kendrick San Miguel. He was the one who always supported me, who encouraged me to try athletics even when I didn’t like it. Without him, I wouldn’t be here, ” she said.
Her gratitude didn’t stop there. Becoming emotional, she added, “I am also very grateful to my dad, my mom, and my brother. They’ve always been there for me, pushing me forward and believing in me.”