Lucca Machineas He is not only one of the most important athletes in the country, but also in the world. After winning the gold medal in Pan American Games Santiago 2023, He established himself as a two-time surfing champion. Although the Peruvian has come a long way, he has no plans to stop as he hopes to increase the Peruvian’s reputation Peru in the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
All of the surfer’s successes are just the fruits of his hard work and dedication, as his great passion began as a child. Learn about the history of Lucca and how it achieved success in the sport.
His beginnings in surfing
According to Lucca Mesinas to La República, his fascination with the sea began at a young age, when he practically grew up among the waves.
“When I was about six years old they taught me to ride a board and I really liked it because of course the sea and the waves in Máncora, where I lived, are incredible and I really liked it. The sea, the…” Beach, running, everything I loved was spending the day with my friends. And since I was six I didn’t stop, I really liked it and I just went to school and the only thing I did after school was boardwalking and running “Nothing else. I’ve done that pretty much my whole life, my childhood,” he explained.
Little by little his passion grew and at the age of 11 he started taking part in surfing tournaments at home and abroad: in total he took part in 100 competitions.
Lucca Mesinas was born on April 20, 1996. Photo: Olympics
“From the age of 11 I started competing nationally in my category, of course: U12, U14. And when I was about 16 or 17, I started competing at the Latin American level. When I was about 18 or 19, I started participating in something more on a global level,” the athlete said.
Pan American Games
Lucca took part in the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima for the first time and won gold thanks to his talent, making the whole country proud that year.
“I don’t know if it’s easier (to win the 2024 Pan American Games), but it’s calmer, more focused, more mature. In other words, I focus more on myself and what I can already do (…) . That’s why I think I was able to achieve the gold medal. I have achieved my qualification for the Olympic Games (Paris 2024), which is also important. I think about that more than anything,” he said.
The surfer also emphasized that he has received support throughout his career from both the Peruvian Sports Institute (IPD) and the government.
Lucca Mesinas spent much of his life in Máncora, Piura. Photo: ISA/Pablo Jiménez
“For my part, I was an athlete who won several medals and, thank God, I was able to count on the support of the IPD and the government because I have already become a team world champion and did very well in the World Championships,” explained he.
Lucca Mesinas and her goals
Since Mesinas did not win gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, it is clear to him that “the dirt will be removed” for Paris 2024 so that Peru takes first place in its category.
“The goals remain the same. It’s about taking part in everything and preparing as well as possible. I see it not just as revenge, but as a new chance to arrive as prepared as possible, shake off the dirt and.” “I represent my country in the best possible way. That’s the most important thing,” he explained
But the Pan American Games and the Olympic Games are not Lucca’s only goals, as he also follows a professional surfing circuit that includes the best surfers in the world and he hopes to continue practicing the sport for many more years.
Lucca Mesinas took part in national and international surfing championships. Photo: ISA/Pablo Jiménez
“I think the most important thing is that they try hard, that they dream big, that they shake off the dirt. Apart from the fact that they have no support, you will get there little by little, but if you put in the effort, if you show dedication, if you are disciplined and all that. So I tell all athletes that sooner or later their successes will come and sooner or later the support will come too,” concluded Lucca.