About Me

My name is Johnny Morales, and I’m a proud Panamanian with a deep passion for sports, leadership, and innovation. I was born and raised in Panama City, where I attended Academia Interamericana de Panamá (AIP). From a young age, I was drawn to both academics and athletics — two worlds that would shape my identity and ambitions.

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After graduating high school, I began my college journey at Bentley University in Boston, where I earned Dean’s List honors. I later transferred to the University of Miami, where I’m currently pursuing a degree in Sports Administration with a minor in Marketing. This transition allowed me to be closer to the equestrian heart of the Americas and to gain hands-on experience in the industries I aspire to impact.

My Passion

Equestrian sport has been at the center of my life since childhood. I’ve represented Panama in international competitions, including the Bolivarian Games in Bogotá in 2022, and continue to train with top-tier athletes to reach new heights in my riding career. For me, show jumping is more than a sport — it’s a platform that builds character, discipline, and global connection. It has also shown me the gaps that exist in infrastructure, visibility, and support for athletes in Latin America, particularly in Panama.

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My Vision

I envision a future where show jumping earns the global recognition it deserves — on par with sports like tennis, Formula 1, or golf. I want to lead that movement. My long-term goal is to elevate Panama’s role in international sport, first by playing a key role in national institutions like the Equestrian Federation and Pandeportes, and eventually by working with the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) to promote and expand the reach of the sport across regions.

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My Purpose

I believe my purpose is to merge leadership, sport, and innovation to bring long-lasting, systemic change to equestrian sports in Latin America. Whether it’s through policy, marketing, or grassroots development, I am committed to giving athletes the visibility, support, and platforms they need to thrive — not just in Panama, but worldwide.

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 My Values

• Authenticity – I believe real leadership starts with staying true to yourself.

• Creativity – I constantly look for new ways to solve problems and engage people.

• Curiosity – I strive to learn from every experience and challenge I face.

• Fairness – I believe in equal opportunity and transparency, especially in sports governance.

• Teamwork – I thrive when collaborating with others toward a shared vision.

• Wisdom – I value insight, reflection, and learning from the leaders who came before me.

• Success – I aim to make a lasting impact, both in sport and society.

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My Goals

• Next 12 Months

  • Deepen my experience in sports marketing, continue competing at the international level, and build my personal brand.

• Next 5 Years

  • Begin working within Panama’s national sports structure, ideally with Pandeportes or the Equestrian Federation, contributing to strategic development and athlete representation.

• Next 10 Years

  • Become President of Panama’s Equestrian Federation, hold an executive role in Pandeportes, and represent Panama on the global stage through leadership roles within the FEI.