Camilo Villegas: A Champion Once More, Thanks to Mia’s Inspirational Impact

The Remarkable Triumph of Camilo Villegas

In a moment frozen in time, Camilo Villegas stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the hole where his golf ball had just found its way. With a gentle pump of his fist and eyes turned towards the sky, he quietly whispered a message to someone dear.

“Mia, thanks for inspiring me.”

After nine years and an astounding 8,496 holes since his last victory on the PGA Tour, Villegas emerged as a champion once again at the recent Bermuda Championship. This hard-fought triumph marked a long-awaited return to the winner’s circle for the Colombian golfer.

Villegas’ path back to success shares similarities with countless other athletes – injury setbacks, loss of form, and battling to maintain their professional status. However, his journey also encompasses unimaginable personal tragedy.

Journeying through life can take sudden dramatic turns; this was certainly true for Villegas when he lost his beloved daughter Mia at just 22 months old after her four-month fight against tumors in her brain and spine.

“She was such an energetic little girl; everything seemed perfect,” shared Villegas during an interview with CNN Sport’s Patrick Snell.

“But trust me when I say that life takes unexpected twists – it comes full circle.”

A Rainbow Tribute to Mia’s Love

In the weeks following Mia’s passing, players, caddies, and staff at tournaments proudly displayed rainbow ribbons on their caps and shirts. These colorful emblems symbolized Mia’s fondness for rainbows, creating a touching tribute to her memory. Many continued to wear these ribbons throughout the season.

Before losing Mia, Villegas had contemplated leaving professional golf behind. Enduring a grueling right shoulder injury in 2018 that caused him to be absent from competition for nearly two years took its toll. The four-time PGA Tour winner, known as “Spider-Man” due to his unique putting style resembling the superhero’s agility, seriously considered retiring.

However, less than a month after his heart-wrenching loss while competing at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship in Ohio – an event deeply connected with Villegas’ personal journey – he not only returned but made it past the cut line.

“Believe me when I say that approximately 80% of PGA Tour players have thought about quitting this game,” revealed Villegas.

“It’s normal to experience ups and downs… But regarding the situation with Mia; my thoughts of quitting were never because of that tragedy. In fact, it fueled my determination and kept my motivation alive.”

Mia’s Miracles: Turning Tragedy into Inspiration

The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship held significant meaning for Villegas as Miami’s Nicklaus Children’s Hospital treated Mia during her illness. This renowned medical facility was named after legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus and his wife Barbara following their generous $60 million donation through their Children’s Health Care Foundation.

Villegas and his wife Maria established their own charity efforts under Mia’s Miracles foundation. With its logo adorned by a rainbow motif representing hope and resilience, the foundation provides support to American and Colombian families navigating similar medical crises with young children.

According to their website, Mia’s Miracles raised over $750,000 in 2022 alone.

“This experience has opened our hearts,” reflected Villegas. “Even after losing our little one, we were fortunate to have support and excellent health insurance. However, this is not the case for many others. Hence, we wanted to give back.”

“We transformed tragedy into a source of inspiration that can touch the lives of others.”