The Peruvian racewalker Evelyn Inga, who secured an Olympic diploma at the Paris 2024 Games, and earned the title of "Breakthrough Athlete" of the season, now aims to participate in Lima 2027 Pan American Games and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
At 26, Inga rose to the challenge of competing in her first Olympic Games in France. Now, as part of the Peruvian Sports Institute’s (IPD) 2025-2028 Olympic Cycle Program, she aims to secure more victories for Peru.
“My goals, alongside my team, are clear, with the support of the government, the federation, and the IPD, we want to achieve more wins for Peru. I’m confident I’ll be in top form for the Lima 2027 Pan American Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics”, she said.
“Being part of the 2025-2028 Olympic Cycle Program provides strong support for athletes. It allows us to focus entirely on training, physical recovery, and competing, without worrying about what we lack”, she added.
The athlete, born in El Tambo, Huancayo, commented that 2024 was incredibly fulfilling and joyful for her, as it showcased the results of years of hard work.
“Finishing among the top eight at the Olympic Games was an honor and motivates me to double my efforts for future competitions”, she highlighted.
A remarkable debut
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Inga made her debut in the women’s 20km racewalk, finishing in eighth place with a time of 1 hour, 28 minutes, and 16 seconds.
This performance made her the top Peruvian in the event, ahead of former world champion Kimberly García (16th, 1:30:10) and Mary Luz Andía (12th, 1:29:24).
In addition to her Olympic success, Inga won gold in the 20 km race at the 43rd Dudinská 50 in Slovakia (1h 27m 42s), the Ibero-American Championships in Brazil (1h 32m 46s), and the 10,000 meters at the Grand Prix Edith Noeding Koltermann in Lima (43m 29s 59c).
She also earned team silver at the World Racewalking Championships in Turkey, alongside Mary Luz Andía and Kimberly García in the 20km event.
“Some may see me as the breakthrough athlete of 2024, but I see it as a fantastic year filled with learning and great opportunities that will help me tackle the new Olympic cycle even better,” she said.
Upcoming challenges
“In 2025, I aim to be among the world’s best, break into the top five, and win a world championship medal,” said Evelyn, who will start her season by defending her title at the 44th Dudinská 50 in Slovakia on March 22.
She is also scheduled to compete in the Gran Premio Cantones de A Coruña on June 7 in Spain, the World Athletics Championships in Japan from September 13-21, and the 2025 Bolivarian Games from November 22 to December 7.
Secured support
The IPD’s 2025-2028 Olympic Cycle Program will provide financial subsidies for four consecutive years to national athletes and para-athletes preparing for Los Angeles 2028, starting January 1, 2025. The program aims to surpass the medals and diplomas earned at Paris 2024.
This initiative will enable athletes to focus entirely on their physical, mental, and technical preparation for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games. It includes coverage for training bases and coaching staff.
Evelyn Inga’s journey
Evelyn Inga began her athletic career in Huancayo but moved to Arequipa in the past year to train under Alfredo Quispe.
In 2019, she won the Pan American Cup 50km racewalk in Mexico, breaking the national record with a time of 4h 22m 57s. She claimed bronze in the 20km race at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games. In 2023, Forbes Peru named her one of the country’s 50 most powerful women.
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(END) JSO/ JMP / MDV
Published: 1/1/2025