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Luis Pizarro started doing artistic gymnastics when he was only four years old, while Daniel Agüero started at age five, both of them encouraged by their parents. Time passed and 22-year-old Luis and 21-year-old Daniel, who are now like brothers, eventually turned into the main representatives of the sport they love in Peru.
With the Pan American Games just around the corner, they will have the privilege of representing Peru as part of the gymnastics national team. They will start competing as of July 27.
Training is getting more rigorous and strict as the competitions draw nearer. “We are training eight hours a day, which helps us be confident about the routines we will perform so that we can perform well at Lima 2019,” said Luis Pizarro.
Perseverance is one of the main characteristics of this sport. “You have to be determined and it requires a lot of time. Whenever I tell someone I’m a gymnast, they always say they would love to do gymnastics or do a somersault,” noted Daniel Agüero.
Daniel Agüero has just won a gold medal in vault at the South American Championship held in Chile, but he is aware that the goal at Lima 2019 is difficult, but not impossible. “I was very happy with my result. It may not be enough to earn me a medal at the Pan American Games, but I’m working towards it, towards getting to a final,” he said.
The brand-new sports infrastructure in the Villa el Salvador Sports Center that they now have will help popularize this sport. “A few years ago they gave us a gym in Videna; now we have another one. Having better infrastructure and more equipment to train better is a great motivator,” noted Luis Pizarro.
Full House
Tickets for gymnastics are practically sold out. A full house is expected and that motivates Peruvian athletes. “I picture the Sports Center completely packed, as if it were a Peruvian football match. Being there must be amazing,” said Pizarro.
“If the spectators in the Sports Center feel incredible excitement, I can’t imagine being inside, hearing the anthem and being the main attraction. That motivates me even more,” noted Agüero.
Argentina, Chile and Venezuela are the most difficult rivals. That is not an obstacle when thinking about winning medals and getting good results. “Everyone on our team is a candidate for a medal. We are working towards that and we are going to do our best to put on a good show,” added Pizarro.
Luis and Daniel have been friends for 16 years and now they will experience their first Pan American Games at home. Gymnastics is their life and they enjoy it greatly.
