The eagerness to reach their goals is one of traits of the Peruvian Judo team that will represent us at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games.
Ariana Cornejo and Kiara Arango are two young judokas who are training all day, from Monday to Saturday, to achieve their objectives. In the morning, they work on the physical aspect and, in the afternoon, they train tactical Judo and fight.
Ariana is 18 years old and divides her time between university and training. She inherited the passion for this sport from her family. “I started practicing this sport because my grandparents and parents practiced Judo,” she said.
Lima 2019 keeps her awake at night because of her eagerness to make it to the winners’ podium. “I'm nervous, happy and excited because that day is coming. I hope to win fights and earn a medal,” says Ariana Cornejo, who will represent Peru in the -63kg category.
While it is true that experience is important in these types of events, Ariana is ready to compete, although she knows that “her opponents (at Lima 2019) are athletes with more experience. I know them because I recently faced them at a Pan American Seniors Championship, but everything is possible if you believe it and train to achieve it.”
Kiara Arango is from Ayacucho and has been living in Lima for two years to dedicate herself to Judo. “I’m very nervous and excited because this is my first Pan American Games. I’m honored to represent my country and my goal is to win a medal,” she states.
“The preparation is very demanding, but it doesn’t depend on the work, it depends on us. That’s why I try my best and train hard, because nothing is unattainable,” adds Kiara Arango, who will compete in the -57kg category.
We are hosting this event, so we expect Sports Center 1 in VIDENA, the Judo venue, to be packed with Peruvian flags, cheering them on at the competitions.
“I know that there’ll be a lot of spectators because we’re hosting, and that moves me even more. That’s why I ask you to come cheer our team on in all sports. Buy your tickets and come see us,” urges Ariana Cornejo.
Meanwhile, Peruvian judoka Kiara Arango says: “I’m excited to represent my country and my city, and maybe I’ll cry because it’s going to be something incredible.”
The women’s and men’s Judo competitions will take place from August 9 to 11.