CAROLINE HESSE-AHUMADA

“No matter how big or long the climb is, make the first step and you will find a way.”

Meet Carolina Hesse-Ahumada, a sports management professional and adventurer aiming for high summits - both in sport and in life. From IBM to climbing in the Andes and Himalayas, as well as the international sports arena. Today, she works as Athlete365 Career+ Project Manager at the IOC, overseeing the program that supports athletes in their career transition beyond elite sport.

SUMMITING ACONCAGUA SOLO

Carolina’s achievements include summiting Aconcagua "solo" in 2006 and being the first female base camp manager of a Colombian Everest expedition, in 2010. In recognition of her leadership potential, in 2012 she received a scholarship to AISTS (International Academy of Sport Science and Technology) Masters in Sport Management in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“During my 6-month “Llega alto” (Go high) self-led expedition through the Andes, one of my most exciting experiences was climbing Mt. Aconcagua (6.862 m). Despite being alone and feeling altitude sickness, - that almost made me turn back 200m away from the top- I thought about my family, instructors, friends and colleagues who believed in me, and it encouraged me to reach the summit.”

SUCCEEDING IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT

“The preparation for climbing a mountain has similar ingredients as how to succeed in sports management: set an objective, study, analyse the routes, develop skills, train, build trust, build a team, act with determination and integrity.”

WOMEN LEADERS

“The possibility of women leaders opens up new routes, opportunities and brings confidence to all women who aspire to fulfil their potential.”