IOC

20 Jan 2024 – When Colombian speed skater Isabella Caicedo Gutierrez takes to the ice at the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Gangwon 2024, it will mark the latest chapter in an incredible journey.

The 15-year-old grew up on roller skates before discovering speed skating and moving from Colombia to Canada to pursue her dream.

Caicedo carried the Colombian flag at the Gangwon 2024 Opening Ceremony on Friday (19 Jan) and will compete in the 500m, 1500m and mass start at the Gangneung Oval.

Caicedo is one of five athletes of the ‘Colombian Tropical Ice Team’ competing in the Winter YOG. They will be competing in three sports: cross-country skiing, skeleton and speed skating.

Born in Bogota, the capital of Colombia, Isabella had been roller skating since she was four but switched to become an ice skater. She moved to Montreal in 2020 with her family to pursue her dream.

She changed her discipline from short track to long track to qualify for the Winter YOG.

Gangwon 2024 runs until 1 February, with more than 1,800 athletes from 78 NOCs taking part. The Winter Youth Olympic Games is filmed for live television and digital streaming on the Olympic Channel via https://olympics.com/ and the Olympics app, with full session replays and highlights also available.