BTN News: Ana Pérez is going to her second Olympic Games. She is at a happy point in her career. Although she qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she could not compete because of a serious accident. The accident happened at the Residencia Blume in Madrid, where she lives with her teammates. She hurt both of her feet badly. “These past two years have been very hard. I even thought about quitting,” Ana says. Her voice is calm but emotional as she remembers the tough times she has overcome. By working hard on her body and mind, Ana has become a symbol of strength. She stresses how important it is to work with a psychologist. “I didn’t want an injury to make me quit,” she says firmly before going to Paris.
Overcoming Hard Times and Planning for a Bright Future Beyond Gymnastics
Ana’s journey has not been easy. The accident that stopped her from competing in Tokyo was a big setback. For two long years, she suffered pain and doubt. But with strong determination, she has managed to recover and come back stronger. Ana’s story shows how important it is to keep going and take care of your mental health. She believes that working with a psychologist was very important in her recovery, helping her rebuild her confidence and strength.
Now, Ana is ready for new challenges. She plans to become independent and finish her university studies in Journalism. This will help her build a future beyond gymnastics. “It’s a journey of learning, and it makes you come back stronger,” she says. Ana’s love for gymnastics began when she was just six years old, inspired by her brother. At 16, she moved from her hometown of Seville to Madrid to follow her dream. Soon, the titles started coming. The most recent was in 2023 when she rejoined the team. She became the Spanish Champion and won a silver medal at the Tel Aviv World Cup.
Working Hard for Paris 2024 Despite Some Setbacks Along the Way
Despite the challenges, Ana Pérez has earned an individual spot on the balance beam for the Paris 2024 Olympics. She was sad not to qualify with the Spanish Artistic Gymnastics team, but she focuses on her individual performance. She trains hard at the High-Performance Center in Madrid. Ana is dedicated to her routines on the floor and balance beam. She also takes weekly ballet classes to improve her expression and aim for the highest scores from the judges. In artistic gymnastics, routines last between 75 and 90 seconds. This minute and a half is crucial, where every move counts. “I want people to enjoy my performance and hope to reach a final,” she says just before starting her warm-up, watched closely by her coaches.
Learning Important Lessons and Looking Forward to New Goals in Life
At 25, Ana has faced many injuries in her career, like many top Spanish gymnasts. But she has also started a new chapter in her life. She has learned two key lessons from her tough years: the importance of balancing physical and mental training and planning for a future beyond gymnastics. Thinking about quitting at such a young age was hard, but Ana has turned it into a learning experience and a chance for growth.
Before ending our interview, Ana gives a heartfelt message to gymnasts who might face similar challenges: “To gymnasts dealing with injuries, I would say take it slow and listen to your doctors. At first, it will seem like the worst thing ever, but it’s a learning path that makes you come back stronger.”
Ana Pérez’s journey is a strong reminder of the power of the human spirit. As she gets ready for Paris 2024, her story continues to inspire many. She shows that with determination and the right support, it is possible to overcome hard times.
