Behind great triumphs lies a story of success and progress that few know. This is the case Maria Fernanda Reyes, an outstanding surfer who raised the name of Peru by winning the gold medal in 2017 Pan American Games 2023. However, it is not the only medal that the athlete has won, as earlier this year she managed to be crowned Vice Longboard World Champion. Although its exceptional performance and great skill on the waves have made it one today Peruvian surfing iconHis passion for the sea was born years ago precisely on Makaha Beach in Miraflores, when he accompanied his mother to sell raspadillas.
“I started surfing when I was five years old while my mother was selling raspadillas, so I grew up in the sea. When I was born, my mother was already working on the beach,” commented Mafer Reyes in an interview for La Republik. However, getting into surfing wasn’t easy as he had to seek financial support from various national and international companies to take part in competitions.
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The success story of Mafer Reyes, the Peruvian athlete who makes a breakthrough in surfing
For María Fernanda Reyes, the sea is her second home. Since she was very small, she traveled from Villa María del Triunfo to Miraflores to play in the waves while her mother worked at her raspadillas stand. Although he only practiced surfing in the summer during his school years, he decided to pursue it professionally at the age of 15.
“When I was 15, I decided to dedicate myself 100% to the sport (surfing). I talked to my mother and changed schools so I could study and train at the same time,” commented the medalist.
However, it was not easy for Mafer Reyes, because for almost three years and before entering the Peruvian Sports Institute (IPD) support program, he had to seek financial support from private companies and club members to represent the country abroad.
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“I had the support of many people, members of the Terrazas Club. (Also) I had a special person who became my godfather, which was Jorge del Río (…) I was looking for brands because I had a national championship and “I tried to contact some hotels. Of course, a lot of doors were closed to me,” said Mafer Reyes.
Now the reigning Pan American champion is looking forward to the new championship dates so she can represent Peru and has her sights set on the 2028 Olympics.