- The gold medalist and Olympic record holder in the 400-meter dash at the Paris Olympic Games spoke about how her life has changed since her historic triumph, her busy end of the year and her projections for 2025.
"VAN" (Sports Desk - 24.12.2024) :: After making history at the Stade de France in Paris last August and becoming the first Dominican woman to win an Olympic gold medal, Marileidy Paulino's life changed dramatically. She exclusively to Panam Sports.
Countless events and invitations, commitments with her brands, new sponsors and trips have marked the last few months of the Panam Sports Ambassador.
“My life took an incredible turn. I traveled a lot, more sponsors came, it was very hectic. But I am now back to training and very motivated,” says Marileidy Paulino.
However, and very deservedly, he took some time to enjoy a vacation like he hadn't had in a long time.
“My vacation was wonderful, as I was able to spend time with friends and my family. I was able to go to the beach, the countryside and Cuba. I had a great time, I was able to eat lots of fish, coconut and I enjoyed a lot with my niece. This year they gave me a month and a half, so I made the most of it,” adds the Olympic champion.
The first week of November, she returned to training in the Dominican Republic with her coach Yaseen Pérez. Both have already begun working on their next goals. The World Championships in Tokyo, the new Grand Slam Track event, and of course, the world record are their goals for 2025.
2024 is coming to an end, Marileidy, an unforgettable year for you. What would be your assessment of this season?
“It was, without a doubt, one of the best years of my life. It was a wonderful year where a great goal was achieved, history was made and it marked a country and the entire world. This 2024 was a year full of faith, perseverance, effort, and teamwork as we have been doing since 2021 when the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games ended. Thank God we had our feet on the ground and always with good planning, we were able to achieve the Olympic medal in Paris.”
How do you think your gold medal influenced your country?
“I think it motivated the youth, that people should fight every day no matter what, and that everyone should believe in themselves to achieve their goals.”
How has it been to return to training after everything you've been through since winning gold in Paris?
“Returning to training is always more difficult, but it is very necessary to have a successful year. I have a clear goal for next year, God willing, to be able to give it my all and, as I always say, stronger than ever.”
I imagine that your greatest desire is to beat Marita Koch's world record of 47.60 seconds, one of the longest-standing records in world athletics, which will be 40 years old in 2025...
“Yes, of course. I am betting on the work my team and I have done on my legs, and I know that if God allows it, I will be able to set the world record, which is my great dream. I just have to wait for the perfect moment, the perfect day and the perfect track. I know it can be done. The results of the Paris Olympic Games showed me that it can be achieved. I know that I will work on the small details that I have to be able to set the world record, although I am happy with a time of 47.99 seconds.”
That's for 2025. But how do you see yourself in the long term?
“I hope, God willing, that I can repeat the crown I won in Paris in Los Angeles 2028 and thus motivate more women to join this movement.”
Finally, Marileidy, and as a great reference, not only for your country but for the entire world, what would be your Christmas message?
“I would tell everyone to enjoy this Christmas as much as possible with their family and friends. This is a time of being united and of charity. And for the athletes, I tell them to enjoy these holidays in their countries, because when they are competing or training, they cannot be with their loved ones. Make the most of it and eat well, but don't stop training. Many people think that athletes don't train at this time of year, but that's not the case. Merry Christmas and may this new year be full of success and well-being for everyone.”
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