Paola Beltran | Life Needs Balance
What got you involved in the sport, and who were the people who helped you get into the sport?
I got involved in the sport at a young age because I wanted to learn how to do flips. I told my mom I wanted to try it. Previously I did track and field, swimming and soccer. I have been practicing gymnastics for around eight years. It was me that wanted to get involved in the sport.
What has been your biggest achievement to date, and what is your ultimate goal in gymnastics?
My biggest achievement to date is going to the Pan-American Championships. I came in fourth place, so that has been my biggest to date.
Who has been your biggest role model outside the gym, and who is your biggest in?
My biggest role model has to be my mom because she has always given me support. If I need to go to a competition, she's always there if I need money or something. My biggest role model inside the gym has to be myself. There is no one who I strive to be like. I just want to be myself. I just want to work hard to be the best I can be. I just want to be me.
What sorts of training outside of gymnastics do you do, and why do you do it?
I don't do any training outside of the gym. Sometimes I practice at home but mainly for fun. I'll set up a mat and do flips and stuff. I won't run or go to another gym, it's more to try new tricks and practice.
How has gymnastics changed your life?
It has changed my life because before I was a gymnast I was able to do more things. I could spend time with my friends. Lately, I've been training more and I've been more responsible. I have had to work hard, I have had to dedicate my time to training. I have to be patient and work with my team. It has improved my life because it has made me a better person. I've learned to work with people, I've learned patience and discipline.
What is your favorite cheat meal, and what does your diet consist of?
My favorite cheat meal is sushi probably or pasta. I don't really have a specific diet, I just balance my food. I don't really have a real diet. I try to eat chicken, meat, vegetables and fruits. T
What do you do to prepare for a competition? How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle?
What I basically do is I don't miss any training sessions. I have to sleep well. I have to train well. I have to try my best. I have to think about how I'm going to execute my goal for that competition. I have to focus on what I want to achieve.
For people starting out in the sport, what are some tips you would give?
They have to be patient because it is difficult. It is hard but fun if you stick with it. It is the best sport in the world, and it changes you. I have met a lot of people, I have been able to travel, and I have met people from different countries. It is a great experience but it depends on what you want to achieve. If it's for fun just go out there and have fun. If it's a dream, you have to work hard and focused on what you want.
What defines health and healthy to you?
Health for me means not only your physique, but how you live your life. You have to have a healthy mind, healthy body and eat healthy. It's a combination of socializing, education, training, all combined. There needs to be a balance.
How has gymnastics helped your self-esteem?
I am confident now. I have had to learn that. At first it wasn't easy, especially when I lived in poverty. People would laugh at the way I looked. You have to be proud of who you are. You don't have to care about what people think. If you are proud of your body, the opinion of others doesn't matter. I am strong, I work hard, and my body shows that.
What was an obstacle you faced and how did you overcome it?
An obstacle I have had to face was a back injury I had that led by to switch from artistic gymnastics to aerobic gymnastics. My back was really bad, and I had to get physiotherapy. It was the hardest thing of my life. I have been able to do more things, travel more, and I'm on the national team now. It is a really good sport and I love it now. I want to keep doing it.