For only the third time in Youth Olympic Games history, young triathletes from across the globe lined up to shine their lights to the world as the future of triathlon and sport. Watching proudly from the sidelines in Buenos Aires was Chile’s Barbara Riveros, who held the honour of being the Athlete Ambassador for Triathlon during the Games.

This distinguished honour was one that at one point in her career could have seemed impossible, given her uphill battle of overcoming adversity and rejection when she was a young triathlete herself. After losing a coach and funding from her national federation, Riveros moved to Australia with the support of her family in the hopes of advancing in her professional triathlon. It was there that she eventually made her way into the ITU Development Programme. The Team helped her in the areas of the sport that she was not able to find from her own national program, which included most importantly coaching and funding. It was that programme that saw her potential and aided in her becoming a three-time Olympic Triathlete, competing in the 2008 Beijing, 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janerio Olympic Games.

Now, Riveros has enjoyed the fact that she could give back to younger athletes that may face similar situations that she did. Acting as the YOG Ambassador, she hoped to give advice and mentor to the younger generation of triathletes and that includes lending her support for the current development ASICS World Triathlon Team and helping bring to light the importance of the Development programme for athletes that do need the extra help that they otherwise might never be given.

Following Buenos Aires, Riveros travelled to Salinas, Ecuador to compete alongside some members of the 2018 ASICS World Triathlon Team in the Salinas World Cup. With plans to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, her fourth appearance, she continues to advocate for new opportunities and programmes that give a chance for unlikely triathletes like herself also someday fulfil their Olympic dream.