This is the 3rd article in a series of stories and interviews with High-Performance Athletes who train out of Vallarta Yacht Club. The focus this week is on Elena Oetling Ramirez who is a well accomplished Laser Radial Competitor. Elena grew up sailing on Lake Chapala and trained extensively at Lake Chapala Yacht Club. I asked Elena a few questions about her sailing career, then did some research to learn a little more about this amazing athlete.
Elena, when did you start sailing and what class were you sailing in?
I started sailing by myself at the age of 9 in an optimist, (17 years ago) even though I have been sailing for my entire life with my dad and grandpa.
What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past 2 years?
I'm Central American and Caribbean Games Champion, 8th female in North American Championship in Long Beach, California, 4th female in the South American Championship in Paracas, Perú, and National Champion this year at WesMex..
Those are some incredible accomplishments; particularly since you accomplished all of this while also earning your Bachelor's Degree from the University of Guadalajara!
What are your goals for the next 2 years?
My goal is to be in the top 5 at the Pan-American Games to be held in Paracas, Peru in August, and qualify for Tokyo 2020 Olympic games.
Elena ordinally does not spend much time talking about herself so I poked around her Facebook page to learn a little more about her. I found this interesting piece in a blog she had been keeping on Facebook and asked if I could use it in this piece. So here is Elena:
When I decided to dedicate my life to sports, I was completely involved in it. For me, sport has been the school of my life. It has taught me to fight for what I want, to fight for my dreams, not to sit and watch life go by. In my life, sport has been the motive of tears, of joy, of courage, but above all of courage; courage to get up when I've fallen, to keep going despite fear, frustration, criticism; going after my dreams.It's my reason to keep getting out of bed every morning, to keep going. Beyond a victory or a failure, the sport has made me who I am, has forged my character over the years and above all has led me to define who I am.
Today a mother asked me if it was convenient to continue supporting her daughter in sports. For me, it has been the best investment my parents have made for me, apart from education of course.And I thank them for always having supported me, the good and the bad; for sacrificing so many things that allow me to practice multiple disciplines, until finally finding my passion in sailing where whether I win or lose, the simple fact of striving, and fighting for what I want and giving the best of me every day is so satisfying. It makes me feel satisfied with myself, doing what I like the most and enjoying every moment. I would not change how I have lived and what this and other sports have contributed for absolutely anything in the world. So, for me, sport is not winning or losing. For me it is to be better every day; to strive, to decide to live and enjoy, to be well with myself and to overcome fear. It is to give the best of me despite the circumstances.
Why do you train at Vallarta Yacht Club?
I love Vallarta Yacht Club because is a great place for training (wind and wave conditions almost all year around), the support we have from the Club (staff and members) and its location.