Mariajo Uribe originally planned to retire after the Tokyo Olympics thre years ago. But then she got pregnant in the midst of a global pandemic and by the time she got to Japan, six months postpartum, she didn’t feel that her game was ready for the moment.
“We didn’t really want to end my career that way,” said Uribe, who took a share of 50th in Tokyo.
So the family decided to give Paris a shot, and the exuberant player boldly told the world of her plans. Now she’s in contention to win a medal for Colombia, a country that to date has two medals at the 2024 Olympics, both silver.
“I like taking risks,” Uribe told Golfweek earlier this summer. ” I’ve always been that way. I’m happy it paid off.”
Playing with smiley-faced socks she bought on Amazon and mismatched shoes, Uribe sits just two shots outside of a medal position through three rounds. Switzerland’s Morgane Metraux, a player who has never won on the LPGA, holds a share of the lead with the winningest player in the field, Lydia Ko. The Kiwi needs a gold medal to complete her Olympic set, having won silver in Rio and bronze in Tokyo. A victory Saturday would put Ko in the LPGA Golf Hall of Fame, though Uribe’s story might be just as compelling.
Uribe, who won the 2011 HSBC Brazil Cup, unofficial LPGA event, sits alone in a share of sixth at 5 under, four shots back of the leaders. It’s third or nothing this week, she said, which gives her an excuse to play aggressively.
“I think if anything, I’m an underdog this week,” said Uribe. “No one expecting me to win a medal.”
One of four mothers in the field in Paris, Uribe traveled the 2022 season with son Lucca but struggled with her game. Plus, Lucca wasn’t really enjoying the grind of the road, with most activities confined to indoors.
The 2007 U.S. Women’s Amateur champion returned to Q-Series last December and though she finished high enough to earn her card, she wasn’t getting into enough LPGA events early on. So Uribe decided to ask for sponsor exemptions on the LET and, traveling alone, won in her first start at the NSW Women’s Open. She tied for third in Germany and worked her way into the Paris field of 60, just as she’d planned.
At age 34, Uribe once said she’d never play on tour with kids. Mexico’s Lorena Ochoa, who retired at age 28, was a role model for Uribe, who knew her personality would make it hard. But she’s glad it’s worked out this way. She can share this joy with Lucca and the rest of her family, and though she’s in the field for the AIG Women’s British Open at St. Andrews in two weeks, she won’t be there.
Sunday in Paris is Uribe’s last round. Her husband, Oscar, has been with her for 15 years, and the focus has always been on her career. Now it’s his turn.
As for what’s next after Saturday, Uribe said she’s eager to become a stay-at-home mom. Maybe they’ll try to have another child.
“I’m not in a rush to find another career,” she said.
Perhaps a fairytale finish awaits.