Andrea Vásquez’s journey in sport began on wheels. From a childhood spent speed skating in Colombia to a career in digital media with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), she’s always been driven by a passion for sport. Now, as Digital Content Manager for one of the world’s largest sports federations, she’s amplifying the stories of athletes while pushing for greater equity in cycling.

From Speed Skating to Social Media

‘Yeah, so the journey started many years ago when I was little – maybe about five or six – doing speed skating (the kind with rollerblades!) which is huge in Colombia,’ Andrea recalls. ‘I did that until I was 16 or 17 before I went to uni in Medellín.’
Growing up in a sporty family, Andrea was surrounded by football, cycling and a love for competition. ‘My dad played football then took up cycling, and my brother was a professional cyclist in Colombia,’ she says. ‘So, I’ve always been part of the sports industry in a way.’

At university, her focus began to shift. ‘While I was at uni, the city hosted some major sporting events, including the 2010 South American Games and the FIFA U-20 World Cup. I started volunteering at these events because I loved sport and wanted to be involved,’ she says. ‘That’s when things really started to progress.’

For me, the message is simple: If you’re committed
and know where you want to go, nothing is going to stop you.

Taking the Leap

Andrea’s big break came when she was offered an opportunity to work as a journalist for the Archery World Cup in Medellín. ‘I thought to myself … Archery? What am I going to do? I don’t know anything about it,’ she laughs. ‘But then I thought, Why not? I know I want to work in sport.’

That one decision opened doors to international opportunities. ‘At that World Cup event, I met up with members of World Archery, and they told me, ‘We like what you’re doing here – would you be willing to do communications at an event in Croatia?’ That was the start of nearly eight years working with the federation.’

When Andrea moved to Switzerland, she saw an opening at UCI and grabbed it. ‘Cycling’s a sport I’ve always enjoyed and has been close to me and my family. It’s been over three years since I began working here, and it’s been both enjoyable and professionally challenging,’ she says.

Breaking Barriers, Finding Mentors

For Andrea, one of her biggest inspirations is Esperanza Palacio, one of the first female sports journalists in Colombia. ‘I was very lucky to meet her when my interest in sport was growing because she taught me so much,’ Andrea says. ‘She was a sports journalist at a time when women were not considered able to cover sport.’

Esperanza’s stories left a lasting impression. ‘I always remember her talking about 1994 – before the FIFA World Cup in the US – when she became only the second woman to enter a stadium in Saudi Arabia. She reported that there weren’t even toilets for women,’ Andrea shares. ‘She had to prove herself over and over again and that really shaped my vision of what was possible.’

She [Esperanza Palacio] had to prove herself over and over again and that really shaped my vision of what was possible.

Looking Ahead

Now working at UCI, Andrea’s focus is on showcasing cycling as a sport for everyone. ‘Our goal from the digital side of things is to inspire people to take up cycling, even if it’s only for getting to work,’ she says. ‘We don’t focus much on the differences between women and men. It’s more about the discipline and the sport itself, rather than a division.’

Looking to the future, Andrea is passionate about increasing the visibility of women in sport, not just as athletes but as decision-makers. ‘I want to see more women on camera, more women behind the scenes and more women in leadership roles,’ she says. ‘For me, the message is simple: If you’re committed and know where you want to go, nothing is going to stop you.’

Women like Andrea are the voices changing the game – on and off the field.

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