“My entire sporting career has gone against the grain”

—How does it feel to have been selected as a finalist?

—It’s crazy because it’s something you don’t expect at all. I know they presented me as a candidate, but there were around fifty of us. Then I got into the “top six”, but I thought I was going to stay there because there are incredible athletes, and suddenly they call me and tell me that I am in the “top three” and that I have to go to a gala where we don’t know yet who can win, so I was excited.

—The jury emphasizes that its choice is based on the fact that it is an example of effort, discipline and perseverance. Do you feel identified?

— I think so, because my entire sporting career has consisted of fighting a little against the current of my body, which has caused me numerous injuries; of studies, having to move to Madrid because in Valladolid there was a lack of infrastructure for training…

—What is your sporting dream today?

— I have a lot! First, become the best athlete you can be. But I also think about the Olympics, the World Cup finals, being able to train kids who really want to climb.

— Do you see yourself at the Olympic Games?

—I would love to, but the level is very high and you have to practice a lot. My goal is not that, but to improve, work hard every day and make sure that the progression is the best possible. If that means being able to compete in the Olympics, that would be great.

—How many hours do you train per day?

-It depends. In pre-season, not bad. This could perfectly last four hours a day, with one day a week off.

—How to reconcile so many hours of training and studies?

—Well, the truth is that in the baccalaureate it was very difficult for me, because I think it is a stage in which a lot is demanded of you, you are very young and you don’t know what you want, and sometimes you are not passionate about what you are studying either. But now, studying INEF (Physical Activity and Sports Sciences), I feel much freer, I train in what I love, I practice new sports and I really enjoy university life.

—Do you think that climbing also helps you in everyday life, outside of the climbing wall?

—Yes, I think that adds a lot. Above all, confidence, but also this constant fight, because climbing is a fight against an objective, not against others. You don’t compare. This is why it helps you a lot on a mental level, beyond the physical.

—Do you remember when you got the bug for this sport?

-No. My parents always climbed, so I think it comes from there.

—Do you think there is a growing love for the sport nationally?

— Yes, it’s incredible. Now the climbing walls are full. It’s really crazy. Then, there are a lot of young people and adolescents, between 13 and 20 years old, who are getting started.

—And does Spain have sufficient infrastructure?

“There is more and more infrastructure, but we still have a lot left. Firstly, because the competition course in Spain is very far from the international course, athletes who compete at the international level therefore have to travel a lot to other countries.

—This year, she was proclaimed champion of the European Climbing Cup in the Difficulty category. What other titles would you be passionate about?

“The European Cup particularly excited me because it was a very difficult season in which I suffered several shoulder injuries, but not the most special one. I think it was the bronze medal at the World Junior Championships or the gold at the European Junior Championships.