Gisela Pulido Borrell is a Spanish kitesurfer. She is a sporting prodigy of our times. Gisela Pulido’s biography is the story of what is probably the youngest world champion in the sport’s history. Gisela was born in Barcelona in January 1994. Her first years of life are spent in the Maresme, a region of great tradition in the practice of the nautical sports, where the child from an early age shows great interest in everything related to the sea.
Another of her passions is sports, especially those that involved a degree of risk, hobby she shares with her father. She being endowed with great competitive spirit gets her first sporting success in swimming. Gisela got into kiteboarding in the summer of 2001 and in July 2002 when she received her baptism as kitesurfer. The young athlete evolved beautifully in the practice of this sport and in the absence of competition in Spain, where she showed her skills, participated in the European Junior Championships 2003 with being just 9 years old she won 1st position (U-14) and 2nd place in (U-18).
With these perspectives, lapping the dilemma of supporting family kiteboarding professionally or maintain activity arising at the amateur level. With the arrival of the first sponsor (Rip Curl) Gisela included support to convince her father to let her participate in professional competitions. The deal is that if she can continue to compete on the podium, but wait to be older. The father accepts and is convinced that young Gisela shall not achieve its objective and that this will allow her to gain time in which certainly points as the greatest vocation of the girl.
The surprise came in April 2004 when Gisela is ranked 3rd in the KPWT Sables D’Olonne stage (France). A month after Junior European Champion U-21 was proclaimed in June 2004 and she won her first stage win of the world in Istanbul. Gisela culminates an incredible year in New Caledonia, which was proclaimed World Champion in the professional circuit KPWT in November 2004 at the age of 10 years.
Given such a scenario, the Pulido family moved their residence to Tarifa for the young Gisela can reconcile professional kiteboarding with her studies. Gisela’s life undergoes a radical change, travels around the world and she increase her training hours. This forces the Red Bull coaches Diagnostic & Training Center to limit her browsing time, to control as kitesurfing affect physical development in early age. 2005 was to Gisela another successful year in her career, dominating the Kitesurf World Cup (KPWT) and attracting the interest of the press and sponsors. Achieved spectacular victories in Brazil and Australia at the prestigious Gravity Games and proclaimed World Champion again.
Without doubt, 2006 is the most important year in the career of Gisela. Her physical development is correct and that the training allows more intense and progresses technically.
Get major sponsorships with Telefónica Movistar and Adecco. A leader in the World Cup for the first time KPWT, she will face the World Champion in the PKRA, Kristin Boese circuit.
For Gisela this is a dream come true and that is certainly the most important victory that gets to Boese in Fuerteventura in August 2006. In September she proclaimed Spanish championship with adding a new title to her resume. Gisela ends a great season with 4 wins on the World Tour and won in Noumea, New Caledonia KPWT three-time World championship.
2007 is the year to Gisela enshrined as a great athlete. The awards began in March when she is nominated for Laureus World Sports Awards in the category extreme sports, and setting a new record by becoming the youngest athlete ever nominated for this award. Laureus World Sports Awards (considered the Oscars of sport) open the door to the select club of the 5 best extreme athletes in the world. In November 2007 Gisela receives the Guinness World Records as the youngest World champion. In December she is honored at the 70th Anniversary Gala Brand, as one of the top 100 athletes of Spain, being the youngest athlete to achieve this distinction. In the sports world, 2007 is a big year for Gisela.
In March receives authorization from the Kiteboarding Professional Riders Association (PKRA) to participate in all events of the World Cup. After retaining her title of Champion of Spain, in September 2007, proclaimed first PKRA World Champion in Germany. Gisela dominates the professional circuit with 6 wins and second places 2nd in the 8th stage in which she participated.
2008 was a difficult year in the career of Gisela. The World Cup becomes a much more demanding competition. The World Tour event goes from 6th in 2004 to 10th in 2008 to Gisela stages, the challenge is to combine school attendance with travel competitions and events sponsor. On the other hand, the level of technical rivals continues to increase and this forces Gisela to train longer and harder. 2008 is a year full of accolades for Gisela, receiving two major awards: Best Catalan and Andalusian Sportsman. The World Tour in 2008 was the most difficult to Gisela has faced. With victories over 6th 10th total events, obtained in October, its fifth World Crown in the cold waters of Matanzas (Chile).
2009 was a challenging year for Gisela. The main objective is to defend his world title, but also create her new kite school, Gisela Pulido Pro Center. It is also a transition year for the sport. The ISAF (International Sailing Federation) recognizes kiteboarding as a new kind of candle. This will be the last year with two different World Circuits (PKRA and KPWT) and two different official titles. The aim of Gisela is to be crowned World Champion in both tours, but a knee injury limited her assistance PKRA ompetitions, so it focuses her to battle to win the KPWT. In December 2009, World Champion Gisela KPWT Essaouira is crowned. The year ends with the celebration of the title, a small party in Madrid, and the presence of Jaime Lissavetzsky, Spanish Secretary of State for Sports.
2010 was a historic year for kitesurfing. For the first time there will be an individual world title for the discipline, and the official recognition of the ISAF. Gisela re-enters the sport’s history, after becoming World Champion in freestyle and wave division. The year begins with Gisela hard training in Dakhla. The goal is to improve your level and get in good physical shape to the first phase of the World Tour held in Thailand. Gisela surprised the judges with the implementation of a new maneuver, the “kiteloop slim chance” and achieved victory in Asian lands. The fight for the world title in 2010 was the most difficult in the history of kitesurfing. Gisela faces its biggest rivals, Bruna Kajiya and Karolina Winkowska that decries be the strongest competitor throughout the season. To overcome these two obstacles, Gisela offers its best kitesurf. After 10th hard events present in the 5th continents, 2010 World Champion is crowned at Gold Coast, Australia. A media level 2010 is also an important Gisela year. International media echoes their athletic feats as crossing the Strait of Gibraltar competing against Ferry crossing from Tarifa to Tangier. Gisela character is present in fashion magazines, Cosmopolitan and gives the “Fun Fearless Female” award for Best Sportsman.
Gisela was confirmed in 2011 as the best kiters in the history of the sport, with her 8th consecutive world titles in freestyle mode. The athlete is having a great time away from her roof. Gisela walks to her coming of age with a very promising future. Her results in competition, the athlete surprise even own World Champion after winning in the absence of 2nd World tests remaining. At sporting level, Gisela has become more technical and consistent rider and begins to offer its first power strokes in the execution of her maneuvers. This year Gisela receives medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit awarded by the Sports Council. Her popularity continues to increase appearing in all lists of the Best Spanish Athletes of 2011 And to end the year, is recognized by the supplement of ABC, Woman Today, as one of the most admired women of the year.
In 2012 despite winning major competitions Kitesurf World Tour held in France and Germany); World leader and being virtually the entire season, the third athlete proclaims the end of the year. Gisela participating for the first time in one of the most prestigious competitions in the sport, the Triple-S, achieving victory in the disciplines of freestyle and waves. Her career is progressing, publishing a book about her story, Sin Miedo A Caer, written by Natalia Arroyo. It is also home to one of the most important fashion magazines, Woman Today.
Gisela Pulido Achievements
- World Champion 2013 PKRA freestyle
- 3rd World Championships 2012 PKRA freestyle
- World Champion 2011 PKRA freestyle
- World Champion 2010 PKRA freestyle
- PKRA World Champion 2010 waves
- KPWT World Champion 2009
- PKRA World Champion 2008
- Champion of Spain 2008
- PKRA World Champion 2007
- Champion of Spain 2007
- KPWT World Champion 2006
- Champion of Spain 2006
- KPWT World Champion 2005
- Gravity Games Gold Medal 2005
- Wave Master Champion 2005
- KPWT World Champion 2004
- Junior European Champion 2003
All content on this site is copyright of Women Finess and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
Gisela Pulido is nine times World Champion Kitesurfing Freestyle and Guinness World Record holder as the Youngest World Champion. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You must have started kitesurfing at a very early age and as your first major success came in the European Junior Championships 2003 when you were just 9 years old and won 1st position( U-14) and 2nd place (U-18) and later you reached the pinnacle of success in 2004, when you were crowned KPWT world champion. What factors you consider were responsible that made you achieve that?
Ms. Gisela Pulido:
It was a combination of different facts. I started kiting very young, at the age of 8 years old. I progressed really fast and always was very competitive. When I went to the World Tour it had recently started, so the level wasn’t very high yet. It was the right moment that I started; I was lucky and also had the abilities. Both things where what made me achieve it, I guess 🙂
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have career in competitive kitesurfing that is close to eleven years, you have won 9 times world champion kite freestyle ( 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013). You are nothing short of a phenomenon. Tell us how you are able to achieve the tenacity, perseverance and discipline over such a long number of years?
Ms. Gisela Pulido:
We are in 2014 now; we are still fighting for the World title this year. Karolina Winkowska and I are really close in the ranking but at the moment she is first. She is the one who won in 2012. So that will make 9 freestyle titles for me. I have a lot of discipline in what I want, when I have a goal I want to achieve it. The fact that is always so difficult to get, is a big challenge competing against my opponents, makes me want it every year. Is a lot of effort, but the reward is huge. There is nothing better than wining for me. Especially in what you train so hard and dedicate all your life!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You entered the Guinness World Records as the Youngest World Champion, aged just 13 years. How did you feel and what were your thoughts on it?
Ms. Gisela Pulido:
When I received the email from Guinness and they said they wanted to give me the World Record at first, I didn’t believe it. It it something really important! They came all the way to Tarifa to meet me in my town and they gave me the diploma. I was really, really happy!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Gisela Pulido:
My workout routine is always functional training. I work a lot with TRX, bosu, fitball, elastics… Almost all the exercises I do are with my own body weight. I do circuits, some times HIIT, some times more strength, fast with coordination… And 4-5 times a week I do cardio, like running or cycling.
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Gisela Pulido on WomenFitness: I found really useful information in the web site, that I will definitely take a look. Very interesting articles about fitness, diets, and how to take care about yourself.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Gisela Pulido:
We are what we eat, so I take care of my diet. If I don’t eat good or enough then I have no power when I go to the gym or to the water. I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, because I like how I feel. Protein is a main thing in my diet, too. Not so much meat, some times chicken and turkey. But I prefer fish, like tuna. In Tarifa we have the “almadraba”, is a special net that we use to fish the tuna from the strait. Is amazing!! I love sushi as well; so many times I eat raw fish.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have glowing skin and gorgeous hairs. Do you take some kind of skin treatment to keep it young and glowing and secondly what you do to your hairs to make them look so stunning?
Ms. Gisela Pulido:
As I said before we are what we eat. We will have good skin and nice hair if we eat properly. Also drink loads of water, 3-4 liters a day. In my case that I’m always in the sun I use a really good sunscreen, is like make up that stays in my face the whole day! To protect the hair I use some products as well, and usually go to the hairdresser a lot!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to our inspiring and budding professional kitesurfing girls who all are your fans, what they should do for their climb to ladder of success in the field of kitesurfing ?
Ms. Gisela Pulido:
I see many girls in the water, training hard and pushing themselves. That really makes me feel happy! I will encourage them to don’t feel fear when they try the tricks. They will have better results, and they will land their maneuvers. Also I will tell them to do a good preparation outside the water, a proper workout and diet.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You opened your kitesurfing school in Tarifa – Spanish Kiteboarding Paradise. Elaborate on this endeavor of yours?
Ms. Gisela Pulido:
We opened Gisela Pulido Pro Center, my kite school and shop in 2008. Is a project that I was always pushing because I like to introduce new people into this world. Kitesurfing is my passion and I want to share it! And this year we’ve opened a beach center. Both of them are located in Tarifa. The center has a restaurant, chill out bar, and all the facilities to practice the sport. Is like a perfect place! And they best thing is that is a family business, so my dad and mum take care about it. Is great because when I travel I know it is in good hands 🙂
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Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You are a sporting prodigy of our times. In 2005 the Red Bull coaches Diagnostic & Training Center advised you to limit your browsing time, to control as kitesurfing affect physical development in early age. But in 2006 it was found that your physical development is correct and that the training allows you more intense and progress technically. Tell us about this development in your profession life and how you overcame such a challenge?
Ms. Gisela Pulido:
I was born in Barcelona and lived there until I was 10 years old. When my dad and I moved to Tarifa to become professional at this sport my dad knew that he would have to take care of my physical development. I was training much more than in Barcelona, 3-4 hours a day on the water. I was really lucky because the first 2 years F.C Barcelona soccer club supported me with all the doctors and physiotherapist to check my development. Then Red Bull sponsored me and they took care of my progression. It was a challenge, but when you have such a support, doctors and trainers next to you is much easier. We had to adapt some gear to my size and weight, also limit the hours of training and not do so much workout in the gym, and more cardio training. Later on we found out that the development was correct and I could slowly build my routing of training.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Who has been your greatest influence and motivator in your success in the field of kitesurfing ?
Ms. Gisela Pulido:
I always looked at Aaron Hadlow, he is 5 times World Champion. The tricks he did, the style he had, the way he did the maneuvers… It looked so easy and smooth that I felt I could do too 🙂
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and message for its visitors?
Ms. Gisela Pulido:
I found really useful information in the web site, that I will definitely take a look. Very interesting articles about fitness, diets, and how to take care about your self. I want to thank you guys for making the interview, I hope you enjoy it and see you on the water 🙂
To know more about Gisela Pulido, check her out at: http://giselapulidoprocenter.com/giselapulido/
To know latest about Gisela Pulido, check out on her social networks:
https://www.facebook.com/GiselaPulido
https://twitter.com/giselapulido
Women Fitness Team thanks Gisela Pulido for giving her valuable time for this interview and quenching the thirst of her fans to know more about her and made this interview happen.
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All content on this site is copyright of Women Finess and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.