LIMA 2027: THE LAST DANCE OF ALEXANDRA GRANDE

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The 37-year-old Peruvian karateka is already looking ahead to her retirement from competitive sports at next year’s Pan American Games, and she wants to go out on a high note: by winning the gold medal in her home country, with the support of her people. Panam Sports spoke exclusively with the greatest Peruvian karateka of all time about her past, present, and future.

It was August 10, 2019. At the Villa El Salvador Sports Complex, the women’s 61kg karate final was taking place.

With more than 3,000 people in the stands, Alexandra Grande defeated Venezuela’s Claudymar Garcés with a decisive 6-1 victory. The gym erupted. It was a total celebration. Peru had won another gold medal thanks to the best karateka ever born in the country…

“I remember that moment as if it were yesterday. It was amazing; it was really beautiful. Seeing and hearing the crowd chant your name, getting excited with every point scored, and realizing just how much that medal meant—it fills me with joy and nostalgia. It’s a beautiful feeling, and I want to experience it again,” says Alexandra Grande.

Two-time Pan American champion in Toronto 2015 and Lima 2019, World Games champion in 2017, and an Olympian in Tokyo 2020—these are just some of the achievements Alexandra has under her belt, allowing her to speak with authority about the importance of hosting the Pan American Games once again in Lima, at home, in her native Peru.

“It’s the best thing that could happen to all of us Peruvians. Having the Games here again is a dream, a unique opportunity for us to compete with the support of thousands of fellow countrymen,” adds Alexandra.

We imagine you’re looking forward to the Lima 2027 Games, Alexandra…
Yes, of course. They’ll be my last Pan American Games. After that, I’ll retire from elite competition.

So you’ve already made up your mind. Was it hard for you to set a date for your retirement?
Honestly, yes. It’s something I’ve discussed with my coach, and I plan to retire after Lima 2027. It might be a few months later, but the decision has been made. It’s been a bit difficult to get my mind or my body to understand that maybe the time has come to say goodbye. I’m 37 years old and I’ve had a lot of injuries. I want to finish strong, not get beaten up in the bouts. I want to finish with my head held high. I feel good and I think I need to take care of myself in every training session to be in top shape for the Pan American Games.

What is your goal for Lima 2027?
I want to experience the same thing I did in 2019. I want to represent Peru with my people and my family, everyone cheering for me again and me showing what I do best. I want to be the best in the Americas once more.

How much has Alexandra Grande changed from 2019 to now?
Quite a bit. I’m more mature; I want to enjoy myself. Not let defeats get me down, always taking things in stride. In 2019 I was 29, so today I see things and the competition differently.

How do you see yourself after retirement?
I’ll keep doing karate, of course. I have young students, and I want to keep practicing karate until I’m a grandma. It’s something I have in my blood, and I want to keep it in my life forever.

What has karate meant in your life?
Karate has been like my parents. It has shaped me very well as a person; it has taught me to be organized; it has made me strong. I’ve come to understand how hard life can be, but how important it is to steel yourself to move forward. Karate is everything in my life. That said, I have to admit it’s been like a toxic relationship—because one day you love it, and the next you hate it, and you want to give it all up, but in the end, you’re always still there, battling through this sport, with its joys and its sorrows.

Next August, you’ll step onto the tatami once more to represent your country for the last time. What message would you like to share with all Peruvians?
I want to say thank you. Thank you so much for all the support you’ve given me throughout my career, for all the love shown on social media and on the street. Alexandra is here to stay for a while, and I hope you’ll continue to support me, especially at the Pan American Games, where I want to retire by winning the gold medal—and, of course, with all of your support.