I was 16 years old. Completely tired of constantly wanting to hide my body in the summer. “Oh no, summer, now I have to wear shorts nooooo.” Everyone went casually to the beach and pool and I didn't dare wear a bathing suit, let alone a bikini! Yes, with a very large shirt over it.

Until I was genuinely motivated at school by a classmate who saw me struggling with my complex. He said to me 'Carmen, why don't you come with me to competitive swimming, I think you are very good at that'. Just a short, concise and realistic question. And so I did. I went from swimming lane 4 to lane 1 in a short time, I had succeeded in my goal; I wanted to know if I was any good. I got something much better in return. Healthy in your head! There I learned that with the right motivation and inspiration your mindset can completely change.

You need the right coaching, guidance and follow-up and then you can do anything. I no longer cared what I looked like in a bikini or swimsuit. I felt like the queen of energy! What a liberation!