2024-07-28 21:50:43
More than 15 thousand kilometers from Paris, a Peruvian woman is facing the experience of her life in paradisiacal Tahiti. He is waiting on the Aranui 5, a cruise ship that was anchored in Vairao Harbor to serve as the Olympic village. And she is ready to repeat the routine she found in the last few days: going from calm to scary waters on board a boat until she reaches the famous Teahupo’o wave, the monument that could not be shown at the opening of the Games . This is the experience of Sol Aguirre at the age of 21. What he dreams of is winning a medal for Peru, beaming and smiling as he knows how to do.
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He lost his fear of the sea in Órganos (Piura), the playground of his childhood in northern Peru. He has always respected him, and above all he loves him. It is a part of her. Today it bravely challenges its enormity and strength on the other side of the world. “I think my surfing has improved a lot, it’s much firmer and more stable,” he tells us ahead of his Olympic debut.
Sol Aguirre, Lucca Mesinas and Alonso Correa at the opening of the Olympic Games, more than 15 thousand kilometers from Paris, the official center of the event.
How are you feeling an hour before your first start at the Olympics?
I’m really excited and happy to be an Olympian. I think it’s a big step, the Games represent the maximum in my career, it’s something that inspires me a lot and they mean everything I’ve been through in the four years of this Olympic cycle. I am very proud of myself, for being able to represent my country. I feel confident.
Does your preparation make you happy?
I’m preparing well, I come from South Africa (for the WSL Challenger Series) and it really helped me get into a competitive rhythm. I’m in Teahupo’o for a whole month, not competing, but training to be more in tune with the wave while competing.
How do you handle the pressure at the moment?
I’m sure I’ll feel the pressure before I start, but I think that’s normal. The thing is not to use it against you. She is not my enemy, she is my ally, I have been showing this in several World Cups. More than pressure, I believe in the connection with yourself, with your arms.
How much bravery and mental strength will be involved in this challenge?
In elite surfing, everyone is good, there is a chance to win one or the other, the difference is really in mental and emotional power. I share feelings. That’s why I think it’s important to have a calm mind, to separate things and be able to be connected in the present moment.
What can you say about the wave you have to face?
It seems to me that this wave takes time to understand. It’s not an easy wave, it looks like you go down the wave and go into the tube, but that’s not the case. You have to understand where to fall and the position. The key is not to hesitate and make a decision quickly. I was there twice. I already feel super comfortable with the wave, with my boards. I think it will be interesting to see how the competitors will stand for themselves and how they will make their strategies. The wave is definitely not easy. How will it be? Don’t know, we are going to see it on the day of the competition, but we are already prepared.
At 21 years old and with a promising future, Sol Aguirre has a lot of experience in Tahiti as a representative of Team Perú
What is the goal you have set for your first Games?
I aim to give a medal, give my best performance and internalize every possible experience. I think it’s a great opportunity to be able to compete and perform well, but also enjoy the Olympic experience. The level is extremely strong. I’m looking at the spot and I think that’s the best.
And the season isn’t over…
After the Olympics my year does not end. I started it at the Challengers in Australia and South Africa. After Paris I’m going to the United States for the fourth date, then to Portugal and Brazil. My goal now is the Games, but when they are over, it will be to try to get into the CT (Championship Tour) of the WSL and be in the top 15 in the world.
How do you feel when you go into the sea and surf for an entire country?
It feels incredible to be able to carry the flag and represent Peru. I am extremely proud to be Peruvian, to be able to show the world my culture, the energy and everything that is from my beautiful country, to be able to show the Peruvian spirit that represents us.
You have Sofía Mulanovich as a reference and you are a witness of what she left behind, how would you like Sol Aguirre to be remembered?
I don’t like to compare myself. I think I’m making my own way. Undoubtedly, Sofía has been a great inspiration since she was little, ever since she was going to compete in the north. I would love to be a world champion, I have already taken the step to qualify to be an Olympian. I would love to remember her, no matter what happens, as an inspiration in my country as an athlete and, above all, as a person. I want to leave my essence marked, to bring out a smile.
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