Jhuskarly Becerra: A Refugee Boxer's Journey to Success

In 2024, Venezuelan-born boxer Jhuskarly Becerra represented the IBA Fair Chance Team at the AMBC American Boxing Championships in Cali, Colombia. Despite the challenges of her refugee status, she managed to secure a bronze medal in the youth women's 50kg weight category.Jhuskarly's journey into the world of boxing began at the age of 12, when her father introduced her to the sport. 

With a strong character and unwavering persistence, she quickly improved and became a three-time national champion in Colombia. She was even named the most combative boxer at one point.However, Jhuskarly's refugee status posed significant obstacles to her athletic aspirations. 

"Unfortunately, because of my refugee status, I could not participate in many other tournaments," she explained, "but I have never lost hope that there would be more opportunities in the future.

"Fortunately, the IBA's commitment to supporting its athletes and providing fair chances for competition opened a door for Jhuskarly. She was invited to join the IBA Fair Chance Team, which gave her the opportunity to compete at the continental event in Cali, Colombia.At the championships, Jhuskarly faced tough competition, but she managed to secure a bronze medal. 

"I believe I could have done more at this tournament, but this was no doubt a great experience," she said. "We will try to adjust things that I lack to improve and change the color of the medal obtained to return stronger at the future competition."For Jhuskarly, the journey to the AMBC American Boxing Championships was much more than just a competition. It was a testament to her resilience and a symbol of hope for refugees around the world. 

"When I was accepted into the IBA Fair Chance Team, it was a unique moment, it was one of the happiest moments in my life," she shared passionately. 

"With IBA, I finally felt that from now on I have this sense of belonging to a team, that you have rights, that you have a fair chance to show that you are capable of."Jhuskarly's story is a powerful reminder that with determination, support, and a fair chance, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome. As she continues to pursue her dreams, her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere, regardless of their circumstances.In the latest development, Jhuskarly Becerra has recently competed in the Youth Games in Bolivia and has successfully secured a silver medal. This achievement is not only a personal triumph for Jhuskarly, but also a source of pride for the global refugee community and the International Federation of Sport for Refugees. Jhuskarly's accomplishment demonstrates the power of determination, resilience, and the opportunities that can arise when given a fair chance to excel.