Inline skater Cecilia 'Chechi' Baena tells us about the potential of Colombian compatriot Mariana Pajon and her own Olympic-sized ambitions in the second part of an exclusive interview...
You recently won another World Inline Cup race in France. Where are your favourite places to skate?
I love to skate in Switzerland because the landscape there always seems to offer an amazing view. Also racing in South Korea is fun because of the dedication and organisation of their federation.
Can you give us an idea of your tactics and preparation for races?
I train for seven hours a day, six days a week with my coach, Elias del Valle, and my brother, Juan Carlos. The three of us communicate very well, we talk about each race at each competition and we talk about my strengths and weaknesses and those of my competitors. These discussions help us to select the best tactics. By the time I step onto the start line I know the hard work has already been done. During the race I just let my passion and desire drive me forward – I just want to rock!
What is your relationship like with the other skaters, such as Elma de Vries and Jana Gegner?
Outside the race we have a good time together and talk about lots of the different things we have in common. Once it gets to race time, though, we know we are all there to win.
What advice can you give to Coombian Red Bull athlete Mariana ‘Tata’ Pajon as she looks to take her BMX riding to the next level?
Mariana has got everything: talent, desire, the support of her family and her country, plus a great sponsor. She knows she just has to concentrate on having fun during competitions and doing what she does best. Mariana is the complete package and I know her big goal is to win gold for Colombia at the Olympics.
'I may get the chance to attend the Olympics and that is the dream of every athlete'
What support do you receive from Team Power Slide and Red Bull to achieve all things you want to accomplish?
The most important thing for me is to know that I have everything I neet to win. I get equipment and a salary that helps me to obtain my goals. I’m so grateful for the support I receive because without it I would not be where I am today.
We hear you're planning to use your inline skating skills in speed skating on ice – will we be seeing you at the Winter Olympics?
After winning almost all there is to win in inline, it’s sad not to have the chance to compete at the Olympics. If I make the transition to ice, then I may get the chance to attend the Olympics and that is the dream of every athlete. I’m in conversation with the Colombian Olympic Committee to see what can be done, but we have a problem: there’s not much ice in Colombia!
At 25-years-old there’s still time to achieve more; apart from speed skating what other plans do you have?
I have my own team that features kids from three-years-old all the way up to adults, and I like to help them out by sharing my experiences with them. Also, I have my SFC Foundation, 'Skating for Colombia, Skating for Children'. It can be expensive to get started in my sport and many kids have the talent to compete but not the money. I started the foundation in December and gave 15 pairs of skates to kids between three- and 10-years-old in my hometown of Cartagena.
Colombia is hosting some big sporting events in 2011, including the FIFA Under-20 World Cup. Why should sports fans come to Colombia, and to Cartagena in particular?
The people of Colombia are excited to be hosting a World Cup because it gives us the chance to show people the beauty of our country. I invite people to experience the magic and charm of Corralito de Piedra and I wish all the best to the Colombian team.
Want more?
- Read the first part of our interview with Chechi
- Check out Cecilia's profile page on redbull.com
- Click here for more skate sports
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