SUCCESS INSPIRES: BMX rider Paula Kibare is convinced that anything is possible if you overcome your fears!
We are delighted to support and inspire the promising young BMX rider Paula Kibari. We are proud of her achievements and hope that Paula will be able to realize all her sporting goals, which will lead to the heights of success.
Paula is 18 years old and she is already considered one of the most promising Latvian BMX athletes. We were interested in finding out where the beginnings of athletics can be found and what her future plans are, so despite the athlete's busy schedule, we met for a conversation.
Of all the sports, what made you choose BMX cycling?
Even as a child, I really liked to ride a bicycle. All the time, dad kept asking the question: "When are we going to ride a bike?" and he, as a former athlete, always supported my activities. At that time, cycling competitions were held every summer in Victory Park, in which I participated. In one of them, someone advised me to go to the Mežapark track and that's where everything started - I realized that this sport was made for me.
Isn't it difficult to focus on sports and follow an appropriate regime, while many of your peers have other entertainment?
I won't deny it - sometimes it's hard when I see my friends having fun while I'm training or competing, but I have my own athletic and also personal goals and I know that I have to put in the work to achieve them - it helps me focus.
What is your dream of a sports career?
The biggest dream is to participate in the 2028 Olympic Games and, of course, I would very much like to win one of the medals. To implement it, the most important thing is to deal with fear and then everything will work out.
How do you inspire yourself when things don't go as you would like and do you have a special ritual on race days before the start?
If it doesn't work out as I would like, then I tell myself that next time it will definitely be better and I move on - I don't dwell on failures.
I always listen to music before I start. It helps me relax and calm down - remove stress so I can prepare for a good trip.