To end the reputation of being a crybaby

Brazil's greatest hope, Jade Barbosa wants to grow

BalloonSport

Two months after winning gold at the Pan American Games, 16-year-old Jade Barbosa from Rio de Janeiro showed her talent and took bronze in the individual all-around at the Stuttgart World Championships, a feat never before seen by a Brazilian. In a telephone interview with reporter Simone Evangelista from Curitiba, the shy gymnast confesses that the harassment bothers her a bit, as does the pressure of being the best in Brazil. It's no surprise that among her plans for the future is to shake off her trademark, which has won over the country: her reputation as a crybaby. However, for her, the goal seems more difficult to achieve than achieving top marks in competitions: "I'm a perfectionist; I always get upset when I make a mistake."

GLOBOESPORTE.COM: You made history by winning, for the first time, a bronze medal in the most difficult event at the Gymnastics World Championships, the individual all-around. After returning to Brazil, have you had time to reflect on the significance of your achievement?

Jade: More or less. Now, I feel it more. I go out on the street and lots of people come up to me, kids, old people... people of all ages. The harassment is intense, but I try to lead a normal life. Sometimes, I wish I weren't famous.

GLOBOESPORTE.COM: Just like at the Pan American Games, you were very close to winning gold in the individual all-around, but you fell on the final apparatus (floor exercise) and let the gold medal slip away. However, unlike in Rio de Janeiro, you seemed to be far less nervous. Do you feel more mature as an athlete since then?

Jade: At the Pan American Games, it was very difficult to compete. I found it difficult to perform in front of so many people in my hometown. Back in Germany, the fans were also more respectful. During the performance, no matter who the gymnast was, everyone was completely silent. I like the affection of the people, but the shouting in Rio de Janeiro was a bit of a hindrance.

GLOBOESPORTE.COM: Recently, coach Oleg Ostapenko stated that neither Daiane dos Santos nor Laís Souza are competitive due to the pain. Are you worried that the same thing will happen to you?

Jade: I try not to think about it; it scares me a little. I'm very young, but I know it can happen. Every gymnast experiences injuries; it's normal. I don't do any special preparation to avoid them, just what all other gymnasts do.

GLOBOESPORTE.COM: Oleg is a very strict person, while you are a very sensitive girl. What is it like living with him? Is it difficult to hear so many scoldings for every mistake you make?

Jade: I've gotten used to his style. Every coach is different, and he and Irina only want what's best for us. I know he'll be sorely missed when he leaves the national team, but we have to keep going.

GLOBOESPORTE.COM: After the Pan American Games, you gained many fans all over Brazil, but people know very little about your personal life. What are your hobbies?

Jade: When I'm not training, I like to go to the beach, the mall, and the movies. In Rio, I have more friends than here. I usually end up hanging out with the girls from the national team; we're almost like family.

GLOBOESPORTE.COM: But there's not much time left for fun like a teenager your age, is there? Does it bother you that you have to dedicate yourself almost exclusively to gymnastics?

Jade: From the moment you start gymnastics, you sacrifice. You can't just go to parties, but it's a choice you make. When I started, I was about five or six years old. I saw the gymnasts on TV and loved it. I always knew it would be difficult, but it's my passion.

GLOBOESPORTE.COM: You're in your first year of high school. Do you plan to go to college after you finish your sports career?

Jade: I want to study physical education, but I think I can combine both. I don't know, maybe I'll go to other colleges too, I really enjoy studying.

GLOBOESPORTE.COM: And what about your reputation as a crybaby? Have you gotten used to it, or does it bother you in some way?

Jade: I don't cry that much. What happens is that they always catch me when I'm crying. Who knows, maybe one day this fame will end, right? It could very well end... Who knows, maybe one day?

GLOBOESPORTE.COM: Gold medal at the Pan American Games, bronze at the Gymnastics World Championships, preparing for the Beijing Olympics... all this at the age of 16. How far do you hope to go in gymnastics? Do you have any goals for the future?

Jade: A lot of people ask me how far I can go, but I don't think about it too much; I try to train for myself. I'm already a perfectionist enough. My coaches often say this: I always want to repeat every exercise until I get it right. It's good on one hand, but it's also detrimental. They always say, "It's okay, you don't need to be upset if you make a mistake." It's hard, I always get upset, but I think I'm on the right track.