85-year-old diver from the United States, Ibone De
Belausteguigoitia, revealed the secrets to living a happy life in an interview
with a sports reporter of the Kazan 2015 OC’s Press Office. Within only two days she managed
to grab two gold medals in the 1m and 3m springboard events. Tomorrow the world
champion and Conroe Diving Club member will execute 3 platform dives.
After
being awarded yet another medal, Ibone watches how other athletes climb the
podium and receive their trophies. With all this bustle and hustle in the
background, she speaks without any haste as if she is having a tea table talk
at home. Taking questions from the journalist, she easily breaks the ice and
always makes eye contact when giving the answers. It’s been only a few days
since the American diver arrived in Kazan, so far she hasn’t seen any tourist
attractions but the Kremlin is certainly the first thing on her list. It is not
her first time in Russia, she has already been to Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Ibone
De Belausteguigoitia has been taking part in the World Masters Championships
since 1988, starting in the 50-54 age group. She was born in Spain in 1930 in a
family of athletes. First the diver started training all by herself after
seeing diving competitions on TV. Later on, after a year of being trained by a
coach, she was included in the Mexican national team and as one of the nation’s
six best divers Ibone De Belausteguigoitia went to compete in the Olympic
Games. Unfortunately, during a practice she injured her wrist but she still
competed and finished only 17th. Ibone also performed at numerous Mexican
national championships, Central American and the Caribbean competitions. Since
1984, she has been taking part in dozens of Masters championships, grabbing
more than 100 gold medals in the springboard and platform events, which also
let her travel around the entire world.
– I
used to train in the mornings from Monday to Friday and I keep doing it now.
Besides, I also have some household chores to do. Since I’ve already retired I enjoy
my life now.
–
What Masters tournament do you remember the most?
–
The first Masters tournament in Toronto. I grabbed springboard and platform
gold back there. Nowadays there are various diving events: 1m springboard, 3m
springboard; back then it was not like this. I also compete in the 5m
springboard event but when you are over 60 years old the 10m platform is an
impossible height for you.
– Are
you afraid of diving?
–
I guess, now I am. I used to dive from the 10m platform but now it’s a bit
scary for me.
–
And are you nervous about the springboard dives?
–
Yes, all the time! Every competition is always something new. Every time I am
about to dive my heart beats like a drum. For me, the 3m springboard event is
easier than the 1m springboard because the height is higher which gives me more
time to execute different kinds of elements.
– How
do you like the Championships?
–
Everything is great! I meet new people from different countries all the time.
I’ve met you for example. I’ve already known the majority of the athletes
before because we compete together at various tournaments. Evgenia Stepanova
from St. Petersburg for example has taken part in a lot of diving events.
However new athletes also appear at the Championships.
–
How does your family feel about you competing at these Championships?
–
They are not worried at all.
–
Are you satisfied with your performance?
–
Everything can happen during the event but I am alive and kicking and I am
happy about it (laughs).
–
What is the secret to your success?
–
Regular practices. You should always a proper level of physical fitness. Every
day from Monday to Friday I exercise about half an hour, then during 20 minutes
I dive. The Conroe Diving Club, the club I am a member of, is situated rather
close to my house, within only 10-minute walk, I can train there practically
every single day.
– When
are you planning to leave sport?
–
Definitely not now. I’m going to do it as long as I can. I stay fit and healthy
due to the sport; I am always in a good mood. I’ve been into diving since I was
young. Swimming seems to be easier; I can do that in the future instead of
diving.
– What
would you wish young athletes?
– Keep
self-developing, never give up! Constant practices today will make you stronger
tomorrow!
Press
Office of Organising Committee for 16th FINA World Championships
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