In a few weeks, the two-time Olympic champion and leading figure in Colombian sports will become a mother for the first time. From her home on the outskirts of Medellín, where she is spending her final days of pregnancy, Mariana Pajón took the time to speak exclusively with Panam Sports. She told us about these months of pregnancy, what motherhood means to her, and whether she hopes her son will follow in her footsteps as an elite athlete.
Mariana Pajón is experiencing the final days of a pregnancy that, according to her, has been perfect. She is now in her 36th week, and everything has been very normal. She is happy and has enjoyed it since the first day she learned she was going to be a mother, and today, along with her husband Vincent, they eagerly await the birth of their first child.
“We’re just days away from our baby’s arrival. In a couple of weeks, he’ll be with us, and honestly, everything has been very calm. I haven’t had any symptoms; everything has been great. Cravings? Not really, I feel like things with lemon taste better sometimes, but it’s been a very calm, very normal pregnancy.
“Yes, I have felt tired; my belly is getting bigger every day. The pace changes. You’re creating life, so it’s amazing what a woman’s body is capable of. Now I really appreciate it, and there are times when I do need a break, but overall, it’s been a very calm pregnancy,” says Mariana. From her country house outside Medellín, she’s preparing all the details for the birth of her son, whose name, to everyone’s surprise, she hasn’t yet decided on.
How have you prepared to be a mom, Mariana?
“I think no one is 100% prepared to be a mom. I’ve done everything that’s part of my prenatal care, along with Vincent.” We’ve had special classes to prepare ourselves to bring our baby into the world in the best way possible, to know how to care for him, to get tips, and to know what to expect.
“We’ve always been very meticulous with our athletic training, with our goals and our athletic dreams. And in that same way, we’re preparing to start a family. Having the responsibility, for example, of taking good care of myself with my diet, getting enough rest, and listening to my body. I’ve been preparing to be a mom, starting now by taking care of him, making him my priority.
“It had always been me, pushing my body even beyond its limits, but now he’s always my priority. It’s been wonderful; instead of working on bike mechanics, now we’re busy assembling a stroller, a car seat, or a rocking chair. This process has truly been beautiful, very different, very strange, but very beautiful at the same time.”
What does being a mother mean to you?
“For me, being a mother is the greatest triumph of my life.” What we’re experiencing has been the most beautiful thing; we can’t wait to hold him in our arms… just feeling him, feeling him grow, feeling another heart beating inside you and his DNA running through your veins, it’s literally very special. It’s very difficult to describe, but I’m certain it’s the greatest triumph of my life.”
Many say that, with the parents he has, this baby will undoubtedly be an athlete and hopefully an Olympic champion. Is it your dream that he will follow in your footsteps in sports?
“I think he’ll choose whatever he wants to do. He’s not even born yet and he already has so much pressure, so I want him to be himself, I want him to enjoy whatever he wants to do. If he wants to be a musician or whatever he wants to do in life, there will be two very active parents, but above all, very aware of supporting him, letting him be himself, let him enjoy himself, let him explore. He doesn’t have to be a BMX rider.” “Obviously, children are also a big example for their parents, and he’s going to see us a lot on a bike, playing sports, but the most important thing is that we support him in what makes him happy, not what makes us happy or what we dream for him, but what is truly his dream.”
When do you plan to return to high-performance sports? I imagine you’d love for your son to see you race, to stand on the podium with you…
“Well, as soon as possible. I’ve prepared myself very well physically to have a beautiful, healthy delivery and to have my body in top shape to have the strength for this and to return to the field as soon as possible. First, I want to enjoy this beautiful time of being parents without any sporting commitments, but obviously, returning with Vincent, who is my coach, is in the plans. I want to come back little by little, patiently, responsibly, but above all, enjoying my baby.”
Source: Panam Sports