Her carbonel holds many values that reach beyond what one might expect from a top-tier athlete. A commitment to defense, the environment, and the rights of sports mothers places her on a different rung from the average, guiding her through intellectual, media, and fashion-design worlds. Eight months pregnant, she stands strong on the shores of Vilagarcia and Cortegada, where waste collection and stewardship for the sea meet a champion’s resolve.
Welcome to Galicia, and thank you for actively helping care for our seas. What is your take on the Plankton project as a startup?
Thank you. I have served as CECA’s ambassador for social work and financial education for several years. When they shared their projects, it resonated because life feels weightless when the sea and water are part of it. We face a significant problem, and there is no other planet to live on. We must protect it, and I am deeply aware of that.
Since 2019 her name has been linked with environmental sustainability and social initiatives.
I firmly believe in these efforts. I am grateful to Abanca and Afundación for their participation. There is a serious issue with waste reaching our seas, microplastics in the fish we eat, and the sense that progress is slow. There is daily frustration, a feeling of helplessness as time runs short, and it weighs heavily. This topic troubles me, and as someone who dives and swims across many seas, I see signs that pressure is building against the harm we face.
If there is a defender of Cortegada and its islands, it is this advocate who stays close to every estuary and coastline. Everything in these estuaries matters; the land, the beaches, the islands, and nature as a whole deserve more attention. It is a privilege to be part of these initiatives.
“There is a huge difference in sports at the level of motherhood and fatherhood”
In the documentary Start Again, the narrator speaks as both mother and athlete, illustrating the challenge mothers face in balancing elite sport and family dreams. The journey is not easy, and the story needed to be told to reach a broad audience. Sport has evolved, yet the gap between athletes who become parents and those who do not remains wide. In football, for instance, many players are fathers, but few are mothers due to the obstacles encountered. The decision to reveal private life was bold, but it was important. The documentary has reached audiences in more than fifty countries, across multiple languages, and it aims to ease the path for others who follow.
Does sharing the experiences of breastfeeding as a sports mother signal a before and after for women in this situation?
Ultimately, the goal of the documentary was to transcend synchronized swimming and sport itself. Countless non-athletes have reached out to share how meaningful reconciliation between sport and motherhood feels. Beyond the private sphere, many professions face similar struggles. The message is clear: athletic women should not fear motherhood. They deserve confidence and strength, and a future where balance is attainable.
Anyone skeptical of the mental and physical demands of a sport like artistic swimming should watch this film. It reveals the intensity behind the hours of training, the early mornings and long days, all in a weightless world that demands discipline in body and mind. The path was broad and challenging.
“Withdrawal remains a beautiful, alluring aspect that invites continuous learning”
It is natural to crave medals, with aspirations spanning the Olympics, world championships, and continental events. The drive is fierce, yet there is more. The Tokyo chapter tested the limits of reconciliation and motherhood across all sectors, posing a social and human challenge. It reinforced the idea that education and resilience shape a brighter path, even in the middle of a global pandemic.
What would you say to a girl who wants to start sports and uses you as a reference?
Dream big. The message is simple: have faith in growth, and embrace the possibility of failure as a learning step. Defeat often becomes the road to victory. There have been many setbacks, but each one teaches resilience. A girl should imagine possibilities, begin with effort, and keep a hopeful attitude. Positivity and determination matter more than perfection.
Which matters more in sport, medals or the journey?
The process matters most. A trusted partner reminds that, far from dwelling on silverware, the memories and values from the journey endure. The experiences shared with teammates and coaches are what truly matter; enjoying the road defines the accomplishment.
What about the future of sport with a second child on the horizon?
Preparation for retirement has been ongoing, with diversifications into cooking, documentaries, books, a design collection, and studies toward a degree. A sport life can feel like an isolated bubble, so building a broader skill set helps. Many athletes face withdrawal with difficulty, and this reality underscores the need for a thoughtful transition. The narrator remains open to new opportunities and different fields, viewing retirement as a chance to learn new crafts and pursue varied passions.
Will there be a second Start Over before Paris 2024?
Decision about future projects remains uncertain. What is clear is that more time will be available for Paris, compared with the Tokyo experience. The current plan is to train lightly a couple of days a week, maintain a comfortable maternity leave, and enjoy the baby for a few months before refocusing on new goals.