By: Nico Benalcázar
Rafaella, at just 14 years old, glided across the waters of the Misahualli River with the grace of a seasoned athlete.
Born and raised in Quito city, she and her parents moved to Puyo city in the amazon jungle a few years ago. In this area full of forest, wildlife, and imposing rivers, Rafaella decided to become a kayaker, which is not very common for girls at that age.
When her family moved into the jungle, their economic situation was not good, that’s why they moved into the jungle to find a better job and opportunities
Rafaella began attending the Compassion program at the age of 5. From a very young age, she stood out for dreaming big and being passionate about sports that girls do not usually choose. “I always liked being adventurous. I really like the adrenaline because it motivates me to improve myself more,” says Rafaella.
At the age of 11, Rafaella saw in the nearby rivers how athletes were sliding through stormy currents, dodging gigantic stones, avoiding whirlpools, and rowing with all their strength the waves generated by the unbeatable current of the river. That experience marked the life of little Rafaella, who immediately looked at her father and said, “I want to practice kayaking.”
The days passed, and with Rafaella’s insistence on practicing extreme sports in the river, her father took her to a training group for beginners. Although that place was ideal for learning everything about Kayaking, Rafaella noticed that most of the participants were men, and there were almost no girls trying to learn such a risky sport.
“I was very nervous. However, that day was extraordinary because I realized nothing differentiated me from the others. I felt the same desire and the same excitement to learn something new,” says Rafaella.
It didn’t take long for Rafaella to begin excelling in her sport. Without professional equipment or supplies, little Rafaella managed to continue pursuing her dreams. Her parents knew that practicing this sport represented a significant investment and that their situation did not allow them to afford all the equipment Kayaking needed.
“I only trusted in God, and I was sure that he was going to help us and fulfill Rafaella’s dreams,” says Santiago, Rafaella’s father.
Many of Rafaella’s relatives did not agree that the girl practiced such an extreme sport. Her uncles and grandparents were very worried about her since it was not typical for an 11-year-old girl to go down the rapids at full speed river full of sharp stones.
However, God heard Santiago’s prayers, and little by little, the doors opened for the young athlete, who improved daily. Her father took her to the river every weekend so that Rafaella could continue training and preparing.
“Friends from the Kayak course gave me their equipment. I got a helmet, and a friend of my dad’s gave me a paddle. And so, part by part and little by little, I acquired the necessary equipment to continue fighting for my dreams,” says Rafaella.
Despite facing initial skepticism in a male-dominated sport, Rafaella refused to be confined by stereotypes. She pushed boundaries, shattered expectations, and emerged as the national champion of female Kayak in Ecuador in 2023, a testament to her unwavering determination.
The young athlete’s emotion was so great to demonstrate that women are also capable of competing in extreme sports and overcoming the fears and comments that often seek to stop them.
Beyond having won the championship, a renowned international kayaker gave her special shoes designed for kayaking; Rafaella continues adding the necessary equipment so that her career as an extreme athlete continues to shine.
The program not only provided her with encouragement to pursue her passion for kayaking but also offered invaluable support, from counseling to ensuring she had nutritious meals during championships and help to her transportation.
Currently, Rafaella is preparing to defend her title in November 2024 and continue to be the national female Kayak champion.
For Rafaella, kayaking wasn’t just about winning medals; it was a platform to empower women. With every stroke of her paddle, she inspired others to chase their dreams fearlessly, regardless of gender or circumstance.
As she navigated the rapids, Rafaella envisioned a future where girls like her would stand tall, unafraid to pursue their passions. And with each victory, she propelled herself closer to that vision, a testament to the indomitable spirit of a young girl fueled by compassion and determination.
Article supplied with thanks to Compassion Australia.
About the Author: Nico Benalcázar, Compassion Ecuador Photojournalist.
Images by Nico Benalcázar