STEPPING STRONG

ll my childhood I have spent time in gyms and hospitals trying to strengthen and improve my musculature, with the uncertain hope that all this effort would serve to improve. When everyone went to have a snack and play in the park I was in a gym, I went to the hospital to do my exercises every day before going to school, I took advantage of the holidays to do treatments in rehabilitation centres and so on since I can remember.

ortunately, my initial diagnosis was not confirmed over the years and it seems that the reason for my muscle weakness had more to do with the fetal distress I suffered.

t puberty, when my body began to experience growth spurts, the worst came. My bones were growing, but my muscles were shortening, making it almost impossible for me to stay on my feet every day. I walked on tiptoes, without my heels touching the ground, fully thrown forward so as not to lose my balance and with many muscle pains throughout my body. I did not want to leave the house because of the possibility of falling at any time and in any place, or of feeling the exhaustion that a body in tension produces 24/7.

nd it was there, after my parents knocked on many medical doors with the same answer as always, nothing new for us: “Nothing can be done!”, when the possible solution to my problem went from being in a wheelchair to surgical intervention with totally uncertain results, but in which there was ONE possibility of improvement. So it was! After two complicated operations, my body responded! My heels touched the ground and my body straightened.

hree years later, the biomechanics of my body and the muscle tone of my legs are not perfect, but I walk with a firm step, without falling and without getting tired and what is most important to me...it has allowed me to enjoy a life that I couldn’t imagine before. I have been able, among other things, to get on a paddle surfboard and row, activities that, although they are normal for most people, for me are true triumphs and the result of a long journey travelled over 17 years. That’s why when I walk across that finish line in a SUP competition, inside I feel like a WINNER!

would like what I tell her to serve to empower and support many kids who, like me, have been born or have encountered physical difficulty along the way. Say what they say and whatever happens, don’t give up! Get out of the house and do what you like best! There are people out there who will help and support you. And keep going! because both you and me, my friend, have many finish lines left to cross.

edicated to my parents, who have never stopped paddling, to my sister for her patience and understanding, to Dr. Nazarov for existing, to all my family for their love and support all these years, to the Be Water Sports team and especially to my coach Isaac for allowing me to feel like one more and be part of this great sport and this great family.