In an emotional evening held this Thursday, January 22 at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Bogotá, the Colombian Olympic Committee praised the career of two legends: María Emma Gaviria and David Cañón Cortés.

Both received the prestigious Altius Life and Work award, a distinction reserved for those figures whose work has transformed the national sports scene in a continuous, ethical and exemplary manner, leaving an indelible legacy for future generations.

Colombian archery would not be understood without the name of María Emma Gaviria. An economist by profession, Gaviria was the architect of the founding of the Federation of Archers of Colombia in 2001. Under her leadership, archery went from being an incipient discipline with only three leagues to a high-performance sport with a presence in 20 departments.

His vision has positioned Colombia on the World Cup podiums and has guaranteed national presence in five consecutive editions of the Olympic Games, also consolidating itself as a figure of international weight in the Pan American Confederation and the International Federation of this sport.

On the other hand, sports journalism paid tribute to David Cañón Cortés, whose career of more than 60 years has been the bridge between the feats of athletes and the hearts of Colombians.

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María Emma Gaviria and David Cañón Cortés: The pillars of Colombian sport receive the Altius Vida y Obra 2025 Award

With a career marked by ethics and innovation, Cañón Cortés captivated audiences on radio and television through iconic programs such as the Gillette Sports Parade and the Seven O’clock Newscast.

His voice and pen not only narrated football, but were fundamental to the Olympic Movement, documenting milestones such as Colombia’s first medals in Munich 1972 and the promotion of world-class events in the country.

This recognition reaffirms the importance of management and social communication in the construction of the sports fabric.

While María Emma Gaviria continues to trace the arrow path towards international success, David Cañón Cortés remains the benchmark of journalistic excellence who has known how to reinvent himself decade after decade to keep the passion for sport alive in Colombia.

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