Name: Diana Corleto
Country: Guatemala
Events: Singles and Doubles
At what age did you start in Badminton?
“I started practicing badminton in a vacation course 9 years ago. I liked it so much that I tried hard to keep practicing because the school did not give me much time. Five years passed and I was awarded a scholarship to train in the capital of Guatemala, where I have been for 3 years.”
Which was your best result?
“My best results have been: bronze medal in Singles in Central American and Caribbean Games, bronze medal in Singles in Bolivarian Games and gold medal in the team event of the Bolivarian Games.”
When did you say: yes, I will dedicate myself to badminton?
“That happened when I won my first national championship. There were too many girls and I was very small in height so they always intimidated me. I started to improve my level and after the first national championship I won I said: this is my thing, here I am.”
Which is your biggest dream?
“I would like to get to the Olympic Games”
Do you perform other activities in parallel to you career as a Badminton player, such as studies or work?
Yes, I’m in the second year of college.”
How sacrificed is it to train and study at the same time?
“It is difficult to study and train, it costs when they leave many tasks and I have to travel for a tournament, but I have managed to level it.”
What is the hardest part of being a high level athlete in Guatemala?
“It is very difficult because you have to earn your place. But I think that there is good support for the athletes.”
Is it difficult to represent Guatemala in international tournaments?
“I think that there is always to represent the country well, is like having a part of ‘Guate’ inside. So I worry about having a good behavior during the tournaments to identify us in a good way.”
What is the best that badminton has given you?
“The best that badminton has given me are friendships, being able to meet new countries and the joy in training.”
Which are your goals for this year?
“My goal is the Pan American Games. In Mixed Doubles, I think we have an opportunity to get a medal. It is not easy but we can achieve it.”
Which do you prefer?
– Olympic Games or World Championships? “Olympic Games”
– Winter or Summer? “Summer”
– Sweet or salt? “Sweet”
– Badminton player? “Michelle Li and Kevin Cordon”
What message would you give to young people who are just starting to practice badminton?
“I would tell them to try hard. The sport is very beautiful, I love sports. Strive, fight for your dreams. It’s not easy, it’s going to cost you for the sacrifices you have to do but do not get frustrated when you feel you can not because you can move on.”
Photo Credit: BPAC|SN
