One is the National Cross Country Champion in the U-20 category, the other one is #1 in the 800 meters U-20 ranking of the Costa Rican Athletics Federation (FECOA). Jimena Ortiz and Mathew Cook are two Trojan athletes in the discipline of Athletics who have recently excelled for their great performance on the track.
A few weeks ago, Jimena participated in the National Tournament organized by FECOA held in Parque del Este. Very nervous, but with the conviction of doing a great job and with the pride of representing the Coronado team, this Trojan managed to win the national title.
According to Jimena, the most appealing aspect of athletics is that it forces the athlete to give his or her best and reach the finish line, regardless of the pain or that burning sensation in their legs. Mental strength is another ally, in addition to praying for God's help to motivate her throughout the race.
Sports is something that runs through her veins, she is the granddaughter of the well-remembered sports journalist José Luis "El Rápido" Ortiz and since she was a child she saw her parents participate in athletic events. She was initially interested in soccer, but at the age of 9 she discovered her passion for track and field.
The sports program offered by Lincoln School allowed her to participate in international AASCA tournaments and this motivated her to become more active in this sport. In a short time, she became part of the Coronado track and field team to compete in national tournaments and then made the National Team.
How do you win a national title?
She confesses that there are some key factors to be number one: disciplined training, good nutrition, being persistent, having the mental strength to overcome fears and the love for the sport are some of the components of this champion's formula.
While laughing, she says that chicken wings are her favorite food. When she's not racing, she likes to cook and spend time developing her programming skills. This Trojan assures that parents should motivate their children to get involved in sports so that they can focus their efforts towards personal and athletic growth opportunities.
As for Mathew, athletics was a " backup plan". Soccer was always his thing, but constant injuries and the emotional blows from that prompted him to try another sporting discipline.
"I was always told I was fast, that I could do well running. In ninth grade I decided to try track and field to see how I would do (...) I really liked beating my own times. I think it was after going to AASCA that my perception changed, where I wanted to get the track and field records, win the medal, represent the school and the country," Cook said.
With his coach's guidance and proper preparation, Mathew discovered new skills. He always thought he was a sprinter and that short distance events were his thing. However, training six times a week - between 45 to 60 minutes - has facilitated a transition from sprinter to long-distance runner.
Precisely, in a qualifying stage in the 800 meters circuit he obtained the first place with a time of 2:00.70. This result placed him #1 in the FECOA ranking.
Furthermore, in a previous qualifying heat of 1500 meters, he finished 6 seconds earlier than the current AASCA record, as the current mark is 4:25 and he clocked 4:19. The challenge of constantly lowering times and improving himself is what he finds most appealing about the sport. .
How to overcome discouragement?
Physical discomfort plagued Mathew for a long time, so he went through moments of uncertainty and discouragement. However, when you fall... you have to pick yourself up and focus on achieving a goal.
This Bolognese pasta lover and talented pianist has things clear for this 2021: stay injury-free, improve his performance on the track and achieve a good participation in the national championship, to make it to the podium in the 800- and 1500-meters circuits.
Both athletes hope to participate in the next edition of the Central American Games to represent our country and stand out on the podium of the competition.
CHAT 