At only 19 years of age, judoka Gabriela Marecos from Asunción is preparing to proudly represent Paraguay on the tatami at the ASU2025 Junior Pan American Games. The Asunción Times follows and interviews talented young Paraguayan athletes throughout the two-week premier sporting event.
Following Paraguay’s proud inauguration of the Games on August 9, Gabriela will begin her chase for glory on 10 August. The judo games will continue until 13 August, during which Gabriela holds the firm conviction that her presence at the prestigious event is a remarkable achievement in itself.
Gabriela, in an interview with The Asunción Times, recalles how judo entered her life unexpectedly: “I discovered judo through the Olympic Games in 2020. Then, in 2022, I went to the National Sports Secretariat (SND) for a holiday camp and began to practise. After one year, I was called to train with the Paraguayan national team.”
Pride in wearing Paraguay’s colours
“I feel excited and proud to represent the country. For me, simply representing Paraguay is already an achievement for my career.” She remembers that decisive moment with absolute clarity: “I was called from one day to the next to train with the national judo team. I felt immense excitement.”
Her sporting journey already includes significant achievements, such as participation in three Pan American Judo Championships and a first-place result in a Senior Pan American event. However, the path has not been without challenges.
“Last year, two months before a Pan American Championship in Brazil, I suffered an ankle sprain and was unable to compete. It was very hard for me because it was a very important tournament. After recovering, I returned stronger, and these ASU2025 Games will be my fourth competition since that injury.”
The inspiration that drives Gabriela Marecos
Gabriela’s main source of motivation is her mother. “She is the first person who inspires me. My family always supports me, as do my coaches and teammates. They were all excited and proud.”
Beyond the medals, her aim in these Games is clear: “I want to learn more from the competition. This will be a very important experience for me.”
The value of respect in judo
For Gabriela Marecos, respect is a non-negotiable principle: “When entering and leaving, one must always have respect for the opponent. During the match you give everything regardless of what happens, but afterwards you must show respect so that you yourself feel respected by others.”
Before each contest, Gabriela follows a ritual that fills her with energy: listening to Brazilian music or reggaeton to step onto the tatami with maximum strength.
A message for young people
Convinced of the positive impact of sport, Gabriela Marecos encourages others to take the leap: “Judo teaches you respect and discipline, and it greatly benefits health and physical skills. My discipline has changed enormously since I began practising, and the motivation from coaches also has a great influence.”
Gabriela firmly believes that sport can change lives. For her, training and competing are not only personal goals, but also an opportunity to prove that any young person, regardless of fears or limitations, can achieve great objectives through discipline and perseverance.
Her story shows that daring to take the first step, maintaining consistency, and believing in oneself opens the way towards accomplishments that once seemed impossible.
