Mexico City 2017: Valle wants to change attitudes

“Para athletes are an example for everyone. They show that through hard work, discipline, huge effort and love, everything is possible.”

Patricia Valle’s goals for the World Para Swimming Championships in Mexico City go way beyond the pool. She wants to change perceptions of people with disability and show everyone what Para athletes can achieve.

The four-time Paralympic champion admits this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase her abilities in front of her home crowd and wants to make the best of it.

“I want to change attitudes whilst competing at Mexico City 2017,” she said. “People will see us competing and hopefully feel proud of us. The medal is not important by itself, but what matters the most is the message you send.

“Para athletes are an example for everyone. They show that through hard work, discipline, huge effort and love, everything is possible.”

At 48-years-old, Valle knows that staying healthy is her number one priority. “I have a well-balanced diet. Besides, I train both my body and my mind,” she explained.

“But apart from what I do, having a supportive family like I do is key to success. And this year I will have the advantage of competing on home soil. That brings comfort to the Mexican athletes. We are used to the weather and have all our loved ones cheering for us from the stands.”

Aware of the high-competitive level, Valle set lowering her personal bests as her main goal for the World Championships. “If I can also reach the podium, then even better,” said the Mexican, who last year won bronze in the women’s 50m breaststroke SB3 at the Paralympics.

“There are many young swimmers coming very strong, which means I will no longer be able to fight for the top positions in the short-term. But that motivates me to give it all in Mexico City.”

China’s Paralympic champion Jiao Cheng, Ukraine’s Mariia Lafina and Kazakhstan’s Zulfiya Gabidullina will be some of her fastest rivals.

“I will have my daughters, my whole family and my friends with me. With all of them by my side, I believe no goal is hard enough to achieve,” she said.

Around 550 swimmers from more than 60 countries are expected to compete at the Francisco Marquez Olympic Swimming Pool, at the Mexico City 2017 World Para Swimming Championships between 30 September-6 October.