Mexican athlete’s persistent journey to compete in Rio

World Today

Mexican athlete's persistent journey to compete in Rio

The ticket to the Olympic Games in Rio is a dream come true for many athletes. Alexa Moreno, a petite girl with strong legs, is ready to try her best in artistic gymnastics.

CCTV America’s Lisa Hagen reported from Tijuana.

Alexa Moreno and has been doing gymnastics since kindergarten, and she trains up to eight hours a day, challenging her limits.

“There are moments I am doubting myself. Do I really want to go on Is it all worth it But almost immediately I realize that it is obviously worth it, that I love what I do,” Moreno said. “Gymnastics is a sports for brave people. You need to be dedicated, have a strong will and lots of persistency. I don’t stop until I have reached my goals. I always keep on going until I get what I want. That is my highest motivation.”

This year, her hard work has finally paid off. For the first time, she has qualified for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

“A couple of years ago, the Mexican gymnasts just wanted to qualify and be a part of it, live the Olympic experience. Today athletes like Alexa have worked very hard to get to the next level. They want to show that they’ve come to not only participate but compete with the best,” Andrea Gomez, Moreno’s Coach said.

This is Alexa Moreno’s once in a lifetime opportunity, and she is willing to do everything she can to make it counts.