Shary Vallecilla – Colombian Sprint Star
Shary Julisa Vallecilla Quiñónez is a distinguished Colombian track and field athlete who has established herself as one of South America’s premier sprinters. Specializing in the 100 meters and 200 meters, Vallecilla has represented Colombia with distinction at numerous international competitions, earning multiple medals and setting personal bests that place her among the elite sprinters of the continent.
She has also competed for the Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico (UIPR, “Inter”) in the LAI collegiate circuit, primarily in the 100 m, 200 m, and 400 m. At the 2023 Justas de Atletismo in Mayagüez, she delivered a standout sprint double for Inter—winning the women’s 200 m in 23.68 (−0.1) and placing second in the 100 m in 11.75 after a 11.72 clocking in the heats. Those points helped the Tigresas of Inter capture the women’s team title with 240.50 points that year. She has remained active for Inter since, featuring in LAI qualifiers and finals across the short sprints. In early 2025, local coverage highlighted another tight 200 m battle—she was timed at 24.34 (+0.4) and edged by the slimmest of margins—while separate reports noted a 56.01 in the 400 m to reach the Justas final, underscoring her range from 100 m through 400 m.
International Career Highlights
Vallecilla’s journey to international prominence began in 2017 when she first competed at the U20 South American Championships in Leonora. There, she earned her first international medal—a silver in the 4×100 meter relay with a time of 47.33 seconds, while finishing seventh in the 200 meters.
In 2018, Vallecilla achieved a significant milestone by competing at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she finished eleventh in the 100 meters—a valuable experience on the Olympic stage that would shape her future career.
The following year proved to be a breakthrough period. At the 2019 U20 South American Championships in Cali, Colombia, Vallecilla claimed silver in the 100 meters with a time of 11.85 seconds and finished fourth in the 200 meters at 24.24 seconds. She also triumphed in the 4×100 meter relay, winning gold with a time of 45.98 seconds.
Record-Breaking Achievements
One of Vallecilla’s most memorable performances came at the inaugural Pan American Junior (U23) Games in December 2021 in Cali. Running alongside Maria Murillo, Natalia Linares, and Laura Martinez, the Colombian women’s 4×100 meter relay team shattered the South American U23 record with a stunning time of 43.59 seconds, demolishing the previous mark of 43.98 that had stood since 2007. This record-breaking performance took place on home soil at the Pascual Guerrero Stadium, adding special significance to the achievement.
During the same competition, Vallecilla established her personal best in the 200 meters with a time of 23.07 seconds on December 3, 2021—a mark that would later earn her a silver medal at the 2023 South American Championships.
In 2022, Vallecilla added another Colombian national title to her collection, becoming champion in the 4×400 meter relay. She also competed in the 4×400 meter relay at the Bolivarian Games in Valledupar, further demonstrating her versatility as a sprinter.
Continental Success
The 2023 South American Championships in São Paulo, Brazil, marked another pinnacle in Vallecilla’s career. Competing in the 200 meters final on July 30, 2023, she matched her personal best of 23.07 seconds to claim the silver medal. Her performance came in one of the most competitive races in the championship’s history, where she finished behind Ecuador’s Nicole Caicedo and ahead of Brazil’s Ana Carolina Azevedo.
Personal Bests and Competitive Range
Vallecilla’s personal records showcase her exceptional speed and consistent improvement:
- 100 meters: 11.65 seconds (October 20, 2023)
- 200 meters: 23.07 seconds (achieved twice—December 3, 2021, and July 30, 2023)
- 4×100 meter relay: 43.59 seconds (December 2, 2021, South American U23 record)
- 4×400 meter relay: 3:36.11 (May 8, 2022)
International Medal Collection
Throughout her career, Vallecilla has accumulated an impressive collection of continental medals:
- Three-time South American Championships silver medalist
- Pan American U23 Games gold medalist (4x100m relay)
- Pan American U23 Games silver medalist (individual event)
- South American U23 Championships bronze medalist
- Multiple medals at U20 South American Championships, including gold and silver
Continuing Legacy
As of 2025, Shary Vallecilla continues to represent Colombia on the international stage, maintaining her status among the world’s ranked sprinters. Her dedication to the sport, consistent improvement, and ability to perform on the biggest stages have made her a role model for aspiring Colombian athletes and a respected competitor throughout South America.
With her combination of natural speed, technical skill, and competitive determination, Vallecilla has firmly established herself as one of Colombia’s most accomplished track and field athletes, carrying forward the nation’s proud tradition in sprint events.
Go Shary!
