Carlos Andica - Part 2, the earthquake

Near the Andica homestead, 2011

Carlos commenced training as a dedicated youth.  At the same time, his famuly continued to work hard to improve their situation, always being supportive of Carlos.  However, life is not with out its unexpected challenges.

One day in 1999, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in Armenia, Colombia. The city was devastated by the quake.  For days, there was no electricity or telephone connection.  At first, Carlos was unable to get in touch with his family. With much of his surrounding neighborhoods devastated, he did not know whether his family was still alive.  Fortunately, he was eventually reunited with his family, finding all members alive and unharmed.

Armenia earthquake
from www.thebeachtimes.com

Still, with power out and infrastructure diminished in Armenia,  looting and lawlessness ensued.  Many people became homeless and were living in state issued tents.  Many of these homeless residents looted whatever wood and building material they could.   Soon, earthquake victims began eyeing the rubber platforms in the Armenia gym.

With in the next few days of the earthquake, the weightlifting team coach gathered all lifters to the gym.  At first, Carlos cried when he saw his beloved gym in ruins.  While pondering the destruction, the team coach instructed the lifters to hold their ground to save what was left of the gym.   Each lifter was given a machete to deter looters from the gym.