From the Streets to the Olympics: The Inspirational Journey of Judoka María Pérez

For María Pérez, who was recognized on Thursday by the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee (Copur) along with thirty other athletes, sport saved her life.

Since he started practicing martial arts at the age of nine, he never had it easy. But instead of using her difficult past as a couch, she turned it into a springboard.

“I come from a public residence, from a neighborhood. “I have had to fight to keep my life on the right track,” Pérez told El Nuevo Día on Thursday, during the annual Copur Olympic Awards held at the Sheraton Convention Center hotel in San Juan, and where she was honored along with the judoka. Adrian Gandía.

“I would love to say so many things. I would like to write a book so that you know my story…”

Immediately afterwards, Pérez stopped to look at the plaque that the Copur awarded him as an outstanding athlete. He looked up from him and indicated: “This for me is improvement. Representing my country always fills me with great emotion and happiness. For me, for Gandía, for Sairy Colón and the rest of my teammates,” he added.

Pérez was, along with archer Jean Pizarro, the flag bearer of Puerto Rico at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, where she won the silver medal in the -70 kilogram category.

The 34-year-old athlete, originally from the Torres de Sabana residential area, in Carolina, is a three-time medalist in said event. She won the bronze medal in the 2019 and 2011 editions.

In addition, she was runner-up at the World Cup in Budapest in 2017, also winning multiple medals in Grand Prix, and in Pan American Championships and Cups. She won gold at the 2010 Mayagüez Central American Championships, silver in San Salvador and another pair of bronzes in Barranquilla 2018.

Judoka María Pérez celebrates her silver medal at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games. (Ramon “Tonito” Zayas)

“Many people have known judo because I have excelled. I’m proud to be here. Thinking that my life has changed, and that it has been for the better, motivates me to inspire other young people,” she highlighted.

“There are times when life is hard on us, but it rewards us. An opportunity always presents itself. Sport has brought that to me. I am extremely happy for this recognition and I hope to remain healthy to continue. “I am happy, here is my family,” she added.

Focused on Paris 2024

On the other hand, after Three Kings’ Day, Pérez will leave again for Spain, where he will be stationed to refine details towards the final stretch of the Olympic cycle.

The final goal, Paris 2024.

“The plan is to be away for several months. About seven months, to be precise. Search for that dream that has escaped us twice,” explained Pérez, alluding to an Olympic medal, an achievement that is missing from his award-winning resume.

Pérez has two Olympic participations, in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, where he placed ninth.

“I want to give my best. Prepare myself as best I can. Bring that glory to the country,” she indicated.

The Carolinian assured that she will also travel to Portugal, France and that she hopes to return to Japan.

“Next year there are many events until qualifying ends in June. That’s when the classifieds leave for Paris. “I want to fulfill that dream I had as a child,” she noted.

2023-12-24 15:17:12
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