María Añó, born in Benicarló in 2002, emerged as one of the most promising gymnasts of her generation. She claimed five individual Spanish championships and five team titles, earning a spot among the top ten at the 2019 European Championship in Baku. Balancing school with sport, she pursued studies in finance while letting gymnastics stay at the center of her life. In interviews for the Prensa Ibérica group, she spoke candidly about the pressures and abuses she endured, reflecting on the complex relationship she has with her sport and those who coached her.
In December 2022, the Sports Administrative Court ruled in her favor, upholding a sanction against a trainer linked to the Royal Gymnastics Federation of Spain that removed the coach from sports positions and revoked his federation license. This verdict marked relief for María, though memories of insults and mistreatment lingered. Her medals sit beside memories of years of harsh words and taunting remarks, yet her pride in competing at the highest level remains intact and undeniable.
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— María Añó Baca (@MariaABPodium) 13 December 2022
‘Mad’ and ‘lawless’
Añó reflects on what might have happened if different choices had been made and recalls enduring scrutiny from her club and coaches even after the investigation began. Former mentors questioned her discipline, suggesting that the gymnast who had achieved so much was unreliable. She emphasizes that her résumé speaks to a mature perspective gained through experience, noting that attempts to create fake profiles aimed to undermine her reputation.
From the age of three, she found a love for rhythmic gymnastics, a path that exposed her to intense pressure. She recalls the weight of disrespectful comments from teachers and the alarming advice given to her mother about the need for psychological support. Psychotherapy became a lifeline, helping her realize that what she endured was not normal, even as she kept pursuing excellence.
European Championship in Baku in 2019 and the subsequent online discussions show the emotional toll of elite sport. Maria has shared memories of the toll taken by intense coaching methods and the weight of public scrutiny as she faced both pressure and expectations from those in control of her training.
She recalls moments when the team was pushed to the limit, with extreme training corrections and harsh measures described as part of a now-questioned coaching culture. The atmosphere involved heavy demands and fear, and she notes how such conditions affected many young athletes who were expected to perform at peak levels in national and international competitions. Yet she also acknowledges the core athletes who supported one another through the hardship and continued to pursue their dreams in the sport they love.
In the end, María recognized that her club, while important in her early development, did not define her entire career. A move to a new team brought relief and a chance to redefine her path, even as she faced ongoing reminders of past events. She emphasizes that the road to success should never require enduring mistreatment or coercive behavior. The aim now is to ensure other young athletes do not have to face the same pressures or fear in pursuit of their ambitions.
recovery phase
Joining Club Ritmo de León marked a turning point for María. She entered with a cautious mindset, aware that the sport she loves can be deeply demanding yet capable of fostering joy and growth when guided by supportive mentors. The experience helped her realize the value of a positive environment where athletes enjoy the journey of improvement, whether they finish on the podium or not.
Gradually, with the support of friends, teammates, and professionals, María rediscovered her confidence and the many assets she carries into the next chapter of her life. She balanced school with training, often combining online coursework with early morning practices. The renewed perspective allowed her to regain balance and continue progressing, while preserving a strong sense of self and purpose.
María has expressed a firm commitment to creating a safer, more respectful pathway for future gymnasts. Her message is clear: the pursuit of excellence must never come at the cost of personal dignity or well-being. Her experience stands as a testament to resilience and the importance of solidarity among athletes, coaches, and institutions working together to protect the integrity of sport. [Citation: María Añó Baca, 2022]