Colombia’s Trailblazer: Nicolás Vélez Velásquez and His Historic Gold Medal Win At GG2023

Nicolás Vélez Velásquez, gold medalist in P22 at GG2023, is a trailblazing athlete from Colombia who has defied societal barriers to achieve greatness in taekwondo. His story is one of perseverance, passion, and the unwavering support of his family and coach.

Nicolás hails from Envigado, a city known for its strong sports culture. His family—father Juan Fernando, mother Luz Elena, and sister Ana Isabel—has been his greatest source of encouragement. 

“My mom and sister have always been there for me, supporting my training and helping me secure the resources I need to compete,” says Nicolás. 

His coach, Pedro Bedoya, has also played a crucial role in shaping his taekwondo career.

While many athletes look up to famous sports figures, Nicolás finds his biggest inspiration in his younger sister. 

“She is disciplined, intelligent, and always looking out for me. She helps me achieve my dreams, especially in taekwondo,” he says proudly.

Nicolás refuses to let Down syndrome define him, but he acknowledges the societal challenges he has faced. He recalls moments of rejection at school from both classmates and parents and even a time when a father removed his son from a playground because Nicolás was there.

“Down syndrome has not affected me, but society has put barriers in my way. People didn’t always believe in my abilities, but I proved them wrong,” he explains.

Sports have always been a part of Nicolás’s life, thanks to his grandfather, who instilled in him a love for athletics. Though he was drawn to soccer, it was taekwondo that truly captivated him. 

“I used to watch martial arts movies as a kid, and when I had my first taekwondo class, I knew this was my sport,” he shares. He enjoys the discipline, the physical challenges, and particularly the intricate Poomsae patterns, of which he has mastered 13.

Taekwondo training has presented its challenges, from memorizing movements to building strength and balance. 

“The hardest part is learning that you can’t always win,” he admits. However, his perseverance paid off when he won the gold medal in the P22 category at the 2023 Virtus Global Games.

“I expected to win because my coach prepared me so well. He even came to my house on Sundays to train with me at a nearby park.”

Competing against other athletes with Down syndrome at GG2023 was an unforgettable experience for Nicolás.

“Facing Italy was tough, but I told my coach I would win and to stay calm. In the final, I defeated the U.S. and proved what I was capable of.”

GG2023 wasn’t just about sports for Nicolás—it was about making memories. 

“I got to meet athletes from different countries, explore cities like Vichy, Lyon, Paris, and Amsterdam, and even showcase my DJ skills at the closing party. It was an amazing experience!”

Being part of Virtus competitions has opened doors for Nicolás. He became the first taekwondo athlete with Down syndrome to win a gold medal for Colombia at the Virtus Global Games, an achievement that earned him recognition in his country. 

“I want to inspire others with Down syndrome to pursue their dreams,” he says.

Looking ahead, he has his sights set on the 2026 Virtus Americas Regional Games in Peru and the 2027 Virtus Global Games in Cairo. 

“I will compete with a champion’s mindset and hope to see more athletes with Down syndrome join the highest levels of competition.”

Nicolás’s ultimate goal is clear: to become a world champion and win a Paralympic medal for Colombia. Beyond that, he dreams of creating a foundation to help individuals with intellectual disabilities access sports and international competitions. 

“I want to support people with limited resources who share my passion for taekwondo.”

On this World Down Syndrome Day, Nicolás has an inspiring message for young athletes with Down syndrome:

“Never give up. Fight for your dreams. With the support of family and friends, you can achieve anything. We are capable of great things!”