Ana Pérez is making her return to the Olympic stage for the second time, and she does so on a high note. It’s important to note that although she qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Games, she was unable to compete due to a serious accident at her residence in Madrid, where she lives with her teammates. This accident left her with severe injuries to both feet.
"It has been a challenging two years, during which I seriously considered retiring," Ana shares. She remains calm yet emotional as she reflects on the tough moments she’s overcome. Through a combination of rigorous physical and mental training, Ana has emerged as a beacon of resilience. She emphasizes the crucial role her psychologist has played in her journey. "I didn’t want an injury to dictate my retirement," she states firmly, just before heading to Paris.
In addition to her Olympic preparations, Ana has personal goals for her future. She aims to become independent and finish her Journalism degree to build a life outside gymnastics. “It’s a complete learning experience that makes you come back stronger,” she explains. Ana’s journey in gymnastics started at the young age of six, following in her brother’s footsteps, and she quickly discovered her passion. At sixteen, she moved from her hometown of Seville to Madrid to pursue her dreams. Soon, titles began to accumulate, with her most recent successes in 2023, where she not only became the Spanish champion but also secured a silver medal at the World Cup in Tel Aviv.
Despite being selected for the individual balance beam event in Paris 2024, Ana expressed disappointment after missing out on a spot in the Spanish Artistic Gymnastics team, which was her primary goal. With a positive outlook and a radiant smile, she is currently focused on her intensive training at the High Performance Center in Madrid. She dedicates herself to rigorous practice on the floor and beam, in addition to attending weekly ballet classes to enhance her artistic expression for higher scores from the judges. Each gymnastics routine lasts between 75 to 90 seconds, making every movement critical to success. “I want people to enjoy watching me, and I hope to make it to the finals,” she says, moments before starting her warm-up under the watchful eyes of her coaches.
At just 25 years old, injuries have significantly influenced her professional journey, much like many other elite Spanish gymnasts. However, Ana stands out by taking valuable lessons from her challenging experience. She stresses the importance of addressing both physical and psychological aspects of training simultaneously. Having faced the possibility of retirement at such a young age, she has made it a priority to forge a future beyond gymnastics. Before concluding the interview, she shares an encouraging message for her peers who may face similar challenges: “To the gymnasts who have to deal with an injury, I would tell them to take it easy and listen to their doctors. At first, it might seem like the end of the world, but it is a complete learning process that makes you stronger.”
Ana Pérez’s story of resilience serves as an inspiration, illustrating that through determination and support, one can overcome even the most daunting obstacles on the path to achieving their dreams.
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