At just 24 years old, he conquered us at the last Olympic Games in Paris, competing in one of the most complex sports: Modern Pentathlon. but Laura HerediaFrom Barcelona and veterinary students, not only shines on the shield. Her beauty, style and know-how made her one of the most admired athletes outside the Olympic Village. We spoke to him when he offered some suggestions for this season.
© PEP Bastard
© Getty Images
© Getty Images—Laura, tell me, what is daily life like for an athlete like you?
-Sometimes I feel like I’m missing hours in the day. I try to organize myself as much as possible to find a balance between my training and high performance demands, as well as my life as a veterinary student. I train between four and six hours per day, Saturdays included, and practice between two and five disciplines per day. In my spare time, I try to progress in university, but I also prioritize rest, which is essential to do well during the week. At the end of the day, I always look for a moment to share with my family and friends, it helps me disconnect and recharge.
“When I stepped into the Versailles stadium, I felt that all the work was worth it. It was a unique moment in my sports career, a dream come true”
© Pep Bastard
© Pep Bastard“I started practicing modern pentathlon at my school in Sant Boi de Llobregat, when I was five years old, as a curricular activity”
An ideal soldier
—What is modern pentathlon and where does it come from?
—The modern pentathlon combines five different disciplines: swimming, running, fencing, laser pistol shooting, and obstacle course racing (OCR). OCR is a new discipline within pentathlon, since until now, we have included equestrian jumping. This is the most radical change in the history of modern pentathlon and we as athletes have to adapt. The sport was created in 1912 by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, and debuted as an Olympic sport in Stockholm the same year. In the women’s category, it was introduced at the 2000 Sydney Games. The idea behind the pentathlon was to reflect the skills of an ideal soldier of the time.
-Why did you decide to dedicate yourself to this sport?
—I started practicing it when I was five years old at my old school, Fundación Lore, in Sant Boi de Llobregat — one of the few schools that offers modern pentathlon as an extracurricular activity. Later, at the age of 14, I jumped at the Bloom High Performance Center in Barcelona.
“I train between four and six hours a day, including Saturdays, and practice between two and five disciplines a day”
© Pep Bastard– Which of the five disciplines do you like the most?
– he Laser Runwhich combines shooting and running. It is the only discipline that is consistently practiced and furthermore, it is the ultimate test in competition. I like it because it is my strong point and because the two disciplines are completely different from each other. This is the most exciting, because it is where the pentathlete’s true skills are displayed.
– And at least?
-By far, what I enjoy the least is the obstacle course. It was a completely new discipline for me and required starting from scratch; It’s a great challenge, because it’s so different from riding a horse. However, I’m sure I’ll grow fonder of it as it progresses.
—You are the first Spanish woman to compete in the modern pentathlon category at the Olympic Games. How was it to see you in Paris?
—When I stepped into the Versailles Stadium, I felt that all the work and waiting had been worth it. It was a unique moment in my sports life, a dream fulfilled. While competing, I was fully aware that this was my moment and I had to make the most of every second, vibrating with the breath of the public. It was an experience I will always remember with great fondness.
© Pep Bastard“The Ones I Love Most”
—Of the entire gaming experience, what has been the best for you?
—I was most excited to share that experience with the people I love the most, especially my family and, especially, my brother Aleix, who supported me on the front lines as a coach.
.—In this report you are working as a model for autumn-winter looks. Do you like fashion? Do you follow trends?
-Yes, I really like fashion. It’s something I always remember, even after training, when I’m getting ready to go out to dinner with my friends. I like to follow trends, but I always adapt them to my personal style. For me, taking care of my image inside and outside of sports is important.
— How does Laura Heredia usually dress on a daily basis?
-In my daily life I like to dress elegantly, but with comfort. I love basic colors, because they are versatile and always look good, especially black, which never fails and is a classic that I love. Additionally, I tend to choose loose clothing, as it gives me freedom and ease in my daily activities.
“I really like fashion and following trends, but I always adapt them to my personal style. For me, it’s important to take care of my image inside and outside of sports”
© Pep BastardSubtle makeup and loose hair
-And for a special occasion?
– I like to choose clothing The ones that highlight my figure, usually in bold colors, because I find them elegant and timeless. Sometimes I add a special touch with some bright details, on shoes or clothing, to give it some contrast. I like to wear my hair down, but well-groomed, subtle and with natural makeup that accentuates my features without being too striking. In short, I’m looking for an elegant and simple look, but with personality.
—What kind of diet should an athlete who tackles as many disciplines as you do?
-I try to eat a varied and balanced diet, I try to avoid meat and prefer vegetable protein and fish sources. I care about saturated fat foods, but don’t obsess over them; I indulge myself from time to time, because I think balance is key. For me, good nutrition is not only important for sports performance, but also for feeling good in my everyday life.
© Pep Bastard
© Pep Bastard