Gold medalist at Santiago 2023 (WD WH1-WH2), Jaquelin Burgos (PER) is one of the best Wheelchair players in the region, with only 4 years involved in Para badminton training.
In the framework of International Women’s Day, Badminton Pan Am highlights various women from our region throughout the month of March, sharing their experiences for the inspiration of the entire Pan American family.
Jaqueline Karina Burgos Javier, born in Huaraz, Peru, and she began her sports career practicing wheelchair basketball. During her days in that sport she met Pilar Jauregui, who also was part of the Wheelchair basketball Peru team, and Pilar invited Jaquelin to enjoy Para badminton in 2018.
“I entered badminton at the invitation of Pilar Jauregui, whom I met in Wheelchair Basketball in 2016 and since then we established a good friendship. That is why in August 2018 I started doing badminton as a beginner.”
Santiago 2023 was the first edition of the Parapan American Games in which Jaquelin participated with Para badminton, however she already had experience in this type of competition since in Lima 2019 she was still part of wheelchair basketball team.
“In Lima 2019 it was my last participation as a Wheelchair Basketball team and in 2020 I fully entered Badminton, a sport that has allowed me to win, until now, a silver medal in singles and a gold medal in Doubles at the Parapan American Games and a South American gold medal in Doubles and Singles.”
At 36 years old, Jaquelin has been adding these achievements in Para badminton, and the sport has also allowed her to meet many Top athletes worldwide and participate in many international events around the world, allowing her to dream of even more great sporting achievements.
“Now, the biggest dream I have is to qualify and obtain a Medal in the Paralympic Games.”
Like many athletes in the region, Jaquelin has also had impediments to getting ahead and has faced difficulties that have affected her sports performance.
“The economic factor is a constant concern and we still have to add the sports materials that we have to pay for ourself, such as a wheelchair, rackets, strings, grips, etc.”
And although the lack of better financial support affects her preparation, it is not a limitation to strive and fight for her goals, and encourage others to continue working for their dreams
“Never stop following your dreams despite the obstacles along the way. Perseverance and discipline lead you to success and if I can do it, you can too.”
