Peru and a very familiar bronze in the Bolivarian Games.

"Very calm" is how they are defined. Few words, marked shyness, and even a low voice. But once they have a racket in hand and in front of the table, they transform. They shout every point in favor, encourage each other, and find strength where they don't have it to fight until the end.

They were one set away from competing for the Bolivarian gold in mixed doubles table tennis, but in the end, the bronze recognized the effort of Isabel and Felipe Duffoo, two Peruvian siblings who have sports in their blood and gave their country another podium in these games to aspire to third place on the overall scoreboard.

She, 22 years old, despite being two years older, was inspired by her brother. "My mom enrolled both of us in an academy. I quit because I wasn't enthusiastic at first; he continued, started competing internationally, and that motivated me to resume and continue training. From there, I represent the country and we compete in international tournaments."

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"We have a lot of communication, trust, and security, which are strengthened even more by the family bond," confesses Felipe, a third-cycle International Business student at the University of Lima, who, like Isabel, combines table tennis and academic training. His sister is in her sixth cycle of Communications and Business Image at the Peruvian University of Applied Sciences.

Distinct paths in their professional training, like playing style. She praises Felipe: "Good forehand, defines very well and puts a lot of spin on the ball"; while he admires his sister: "The speed, control, and calmness she has at the table."

Competing, they are one, so much so that outside, although they have different focuses and tastes, they always harmonize. "When one fails, we don't reproach or complain to each other, instead, we encourage each other. We never blame each other, we support each other, and this bronze is the reward for that good relationship," highlights Isabel.

"We are both mentally strong," Felipe emphasizes, who also confirms that "the key to understanding each other is to express ideas and never fight."

Of course, the preparation also justifies this Bolivarian third place. "I train between four and five hours a day. She trains for three because she has more study hours, but we have a table at home and we practice together at times," he adds.

Isabel is the fifth and Felipe is the sixth of eight siblings. And they are not the only table tennis players in the family. The tradition of the Duffoo Guevara household began with Moisés, 24 years old, who prioritized study and work, while Samuel, the youngest at 11 years old, is already training. They are all the pride of Manuel and Carmen, the parents who instilled sports as a life lesson.