Gabriela Bayardo: From Mexico to the Netherlands

In this year, Gabriela Bayardo decided to completely change her life as she moved to the Netherlands and gave up on trying to be part of the Mexican national team that competed in the past World Cup in Mexico City. However, the archer continued to compete for our country in international events, but it was in the World Cup on the 12th of this month in Morocco, where she decided to compete for the Netherlands.

"I felt good in that event representing another country, it's a new experience. I want to clarify that I haven't changed my nationality and I am still Mexican, but now I am residing in the Netherlands for personal reasons and I will continue to compete for this country as long as I have residency here. The only event where you need a passport is the Olympics," said Bayardo.

In that World Cup, the archer faced Aída Román in the final, where the Olympic medalist took the title after defeating Bayardo by six sets to five.

"The feeling wasn't different when facing Aída since she and I were teammates for several years, so we have known each other for a long time," said the athlete.

In the Rio Olympics, Bayardo was eliminated in the second round individually, while in the team event, along with Aída Román and Alejandra Valencia, they reached the quarterfinals. Now, in this Olympic cycle, she will seek to participate in all possible competitions and reach the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, either representing Mexico or the Netherlands.

"The future will tell, as I love Mexico, but I also feel good here in the Netherlands. My plan is to continue competing at a high level, and the limits are set by oneself. Instead of focusing on my opponents or the country I will face, I concentrate on my performance and each of my shots, as in the shooting line, it's just the bow and me," said the 23-year-old athlete.

For now, Bayardo trains in her place of residence, and even though she has been in that country for some time, she still misses Mexico.

"I miss the climate of Mexico, Mexican food, and my friends. But now, with the Netherlands, my goal remains the same: to be among the top places. I did it for Mexico, and I will do it for this country. I would love to repeat my Olympic experience in Tokyo, Paris, and Los Angeles," indicated the archer.

During the time she represented Mexico, Gabriela achieved podium finishes in several international events, including a team bronze at the 2016 World Cup in Colombia and a team gold at the 2015 Arizona Cup. Now, for the Netherlands, she has already obtained her first silver medal, which was in that World Cup in Morocco.