Mariana AVITIA (MEX): “An experience like this is unforgettable”

The pair of Jafet FARJAT and the 2008 Olympian Mariana AVITIA will shoot for Mexico this week at the first Youth Olympic Games.   What does this competition mean for you? Jafet: This competition is very important for us because it’s the first Youth Olympic Games. We will try our best individually and as a mixed team, and try to make history for our country.   Mariana: It’s one more competition. I think it’s very important, and it’s a very good opportunity for youth athletes to experiment what the Olympics are about, and to understand how they must prepare for the actual Games. It’s my second Olympics but my first Youth Games. At the previous Games I was younger but I think I felt the same as I do here. Some say that the Youth Games are easier but I think the competition will be intense because the general level of the archers is good. I will simply do my best and hope for a good result.   Mariana, two years ago, at age 14, you competed in the Beijing Olympic Games as the youngest member of the Mexican delegation. What did this experience change in your sports career and in your life in general? Mariana: Every person who competes in the Olympic Games changes and learns a lot. You learn how to live the Games. It’s a unique, unforgettable experience.   How did you prepare for this competition? Jafet: Our preparation was very long. It started last year with the Junior World Championships, and this year I took part in my first World Cup event. I also competed in the Junior European Championships in Reggio Calabria, where I achieved my best result, 1st place in the double 70 metre round. As part of our preparation we also came to Singapore last year for a training camp, in order to get familiar with the place.   Mariana: I shoot approximately 200 arrows in the morning and the same amount in the afternoon. Then I go to the gym for the physical training. I work on my arms, back, I do some running… Finally I work with a sports psychologist and we make exercises to train the mental side of archery. The hardest part of the sport is to have a good level of concentration, an aspect I have to work on a lot.   How is your experience of the Games so far? Jafet: The Opening Ceremony was unique. As for the Culture and Education programme, I haven’t attended it much for now. I went one time and the activities offered were very interactive, like meeting people from other cultures and talking about life in other countries.   Mariana: I had a lot of fun. The Opening Ceremony was really nice. An experience like this is unforgettable.   What do you like best about living in the Olympic village? Jafet: There is a good, relaxed atmosphere and lots of people to meet. I met many athletes from other countries. In the village you say hello to everyone and strike conversations with many people that you don’t know. It’s really nice and the village is very beautiful.   Mariana: The Olympic Village is a nice place to live with all the athletes and share with people from other sports and countries.   Jafet, what do you think about Singapore? Jafet: The people here in Singapore are very nice, I really like being here. I went to the city centre, Chinatown, Little India, walked along the Singapore river to admire the skyline and went to see the statue of the Merlion (symbol of Singapore).   Mariana, what do you think about the promotion campaign called “Shoot Clean! - Say No! to Doping” launched by the World Archery Clean Sport department in partnership with WADA? Mariana: I think it’s very good to do this to discourage athletes that might be tempted to try doping.   Anything you would like to say to conclude this interview? Jafet: I wish everyone the best!   Mariana: Greetings to all the Mexicans and I hope you will be watching me! I will try to perform well for you in the competition. I would also like to thank my family who travelled to Singapore to support me.   Vanahé ANTILLE World Archery Communication