Perla Muñoz was born in Bahía Blanca in February 27th 1974. In spite of a hard childhood and adverse health conditions she became one of the most successful athletes in our country. Interview Cami: Why did you choose sports? Perla: When I was a little girl I had problems to walk. I decided to train in the track, because I knew I could not work unless I improved my equilibrium. Then, I started with a swimming competence in Buenos Aires and I won. I love sports since then. Micaela: Did you think you could achieve this position? Perla: Yes, I have been training for 20 years. I enjoy it very much. When I compete Internationally I feel the happiest person in the world. I´m 30 years old and my coach wants me to retire. I went to Guadalajara games and I decided to enjoy a lot because I thought they could be my last competence. My goal has always been London, where my career started in 1998 when I won my first medals. When I travel I take a book with me,”Pasos de Gigante”. I was sad when I returned from Beijing, and I read” Everything is possible under this sky” , and I said to myself: I´ll win in Londres!” Now I am getting ready. Antonela: How much time do train? Perla: Training is like my job. I spend 3 hours in the morning and other 3 in the afternoon in the gym and in the field. I don´t train on Sundays. Manu: Have you got a family? Perla: I´ve got two sisters. As a little girl I stayed in a youth care institute. It´s difficult to gow up without parents. Thank Goodness I had a good education. The people at the institute looked after me, and my medical treatment. I knew I would be alone and I had to be able to work. Joaquín: Will you go on doing sports after Londres? Perla: Of course, this is what I love most. Franco: Are you excited about the games? Perla: No, by no means. I know I must remain calm as I train to get good results Gastón: Are you proud of your achievements? Perla: Yes I am. Because I dedicated my life to this. I left many things behind to get here. When I chat with you and students from other schools ,one of my objectives is to show that we must have clear goals, not only in sports but in life. When we want to achieve something we have to work hard for it. No matter what others say or think. One of my coachs said I was “deteriorated” … I never answered back, I worked harder… and here am. I trusted my other coachs, my team, my psychologist and my yoga coach who believed in me. I respected their work . My team helped me a lot. I know I will have to stop competing someday but I would like to go on working in sports. I could train children because I have lots of experience, or share this experience with students at schools and clubs. This is my capital and I would like to share it, I wouldn´t lie to keep it for me. I have observed and experienced the work at CENARD and I would love to continue working there. José: Did you go to Brazil? Perla: Yes, I competed there few weeks ago. Unfortunately I felt sick and my results in the competition weren´t very good. I finished in the 4th place,not so bad,said my coach... but . Well if my performance must go down… better now than in Londres… I will work very hard to do really well. Nazarena: What events do you compete in? Perla: Distance events, Discus Throw, shot put and Javelin Throw, When I started competing I used to take part in 400 and 300m. In Australia the number of athlets in my category, 35 were very few. Our main disability is in our legs so most of us compete in throw events. Pablo: What can you tell us about your performance? I have had the record in 400m for 11 years. In Shot put, I have a distance of 8.15m, That`s the distance that qualify for London. And discus, my mark is 19.66. we need 18 to classify . Franco: How old are the other competitors? Perla: There can be people from 20 to 40. Yohana: What`s your objective? Perla: I want to get a medal… gold, silver or bronce …it´s the same for me… Gastón: Have you got sponsors? Perla: It´s difficult to have a sponsor…because athletics is individual, and sponsors don´t dare much …hahah ( joking) Milagros: How many Athlets from our country compete in London? Perla: We are 60, but as my coach says…I´m the best …( joking) Hahaha Pablo: Thank you very much Perla. And Good luck Perla: Thank you boys and girls.
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.