Born in 2002 in Malgrat de Mar, Marina González has already competed in the Olympic Games in Tokyo. During the year, she trains on a scholarship with the Cyclones of the University of Iowa, in the United States, and now, after some time with the national team in Madrid, she does it at the facilities of the Salt Gimnàstic Club.
Are you comfortable in Salt?
I feel very good about it. I’ve trained there since I was little and I like the atmosphere. I feel at home there, I love training in Salt.
He was preparing the European…
That was the idea, yes. I was on the list to go there, but I talked to the coaches and, since I tore the ligaments in my foot this year and wasn’t fully recovered, we decided to prepare for the World Cup, which is in October. This way I will rest my foot more to get to the World Cup in shape. When I go back to the States I will continue to prepare it there.
By the time the World Cup comes around, do you hope to have put these annoyances behind you?
Think so. She was good for the European, but very fair. The foot could still bother me. For the World Cup I hope to be fit, but always little by little and waiting to see how my foot responds.
What is it like to train in the national team?
I’ve been doing it for fourteen years and I’m used to high performance work. It’s quite hard, but my gymnastics has grown with this format. I enjoyed going back this summer. The coaches received me very well and helped me a lot to get in shape and recover from the injury. Thanks to them I am better.
Is all the sacrifice worth it?
Of course! Getting to the Games had always been my goal. Before I got it I wondered if the years of sacrifice, tears and effort were worth it, or if it all paid off. And it has The path to reach your goals is already a gift. It teaches you many things, values… After gymnastics you will have a life and this will serve you very well.
I think that if I ask him what his best experience has been, he will say that the Games.
Yes! The truth is that it was incredible and I would like to do it again. Next year we have the classification and we are preparing. God willing, we will go to the Paris Games, which is what we are focused on right now.
How did those in Tokyo live?
Because of the pandemic, these Games were different. Very different I had never experienced one, it was my first time, but I was told that, especially by the public, they changed a lot. I would like to be able to repeat it with people in the stands, cheering, seeing their faces, which is, perhaps, what I was missing. Anyway, it’s still the Olympics and you really enjoy it.
He had suffered to get there…
Before the Games I broke my foot and my fingers and I was very tense. I wasn’t in the best condition to give my best and I entered the team very well. I was having a hard time with my foot, then with my hand… But at the last moment I recovered very well and gave everything to compete. It was difficult for everyone, but we were there, which is the important thing. Hopefully it can be repeated in Paris.
Right after, in addition, he gets the opportunity to sign for the Cyclones, in Iowa.
I had always been very clear that studies are the most important thing. Gymnastics, before the Games, was very important, but so were studies. Getting a scholarship in the United States to do the degree is what I was looking for. I love continuing to study and being able to do what I love most, gymnastics.
Do you notice that in the United States this sport has more culture?
It shows a lot. Gymnastics is a very popular sport and I like it very much. People bet heavily on gymnastics and it is considered like football or basketball. The national team is also one of the best.
Does this carry over to how you train?
The change has been very big, also for the studies. It’s a more intense workout, and at the same time, you have less time to train. It’s hard, but you get used to it.
Did it cost you?
At first it was complicated. It was hard for me to adapt to the United States. Culture or language issues. I thought I spoke English well, but there you realize what it’s like to speak it for real. The first three weeks, especially, were difficult. Since then I am very well and happy to be there. I love it.
And Malgrat de Mar?
i miss it I have been ten months without setting foot on my land. I’ve been back for a few days now and I’m really enjoying it. Here I disconnect from everything.
Who are your references?
Since I saw him as a child, Gervasio Deffer has been a reference. I have also noticed a lot about Nadia Comaneci. Now, the great gymnast is Simone Biles. She has made history and we all have her as an idol.
Also in terms of health mint.
In gymnastics it is very important to know how to carry the physique with the head. Not only the body is used. From the moment you start training until it ends you have to be very focused and with brutal tension. If not, you fall and whatever happens, because there are a lot of injuries. It is a reference for all sportsmen.
