In 1991 a tragedy occurred that not only moved all Spaniards but also caused Irene Villa to be born again. This journalist, psychologist and athlete tells us how she overcame that fateful day and how she has made a name for herself both in the media and in the world of adaptive skiing.
In short, a brave woman who has known how to adapt to circumstances and who has future projects that will add to everything she has achieved so far.
Yumping.- Graduated in Audiovisual Communication, you have worked as a journalist both in print and on radio. You still do it today. Tell us, was that always your vocation?
Irene Villa.- Shortly before starting my degree I said that I wanted to study law to toughen penalties, they told me that politicians did that, but I never liked politics so I decided that from a microphone too It can be influenced socially and even in political life.
Y.- But on the other hand, you are a psychologist and you teach classes at the institute on values. What fills your life the most among so many professions?
I.V.- Helping others, my family and doing sport is without doubt what fills me the most. That is why speaking to young people is when I feel truly useful. It is comforting to see their shocked faces when I tell them that I forgave those who bombed us and hearing their questions and comments amazes me and in many cases makes me proud.
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Y.- After the attack that you suffered collaterally, you have continued fighting and creating your own destiny, removing the cliché of being a victim of ETA. Due to media pressure, was it difficult for you?
I.V.- No, at one point I said "it's over" and the journalists respected me, although they continue calling me to ask me about terrorism; Then what is difficult is that they allow me not to give my opinion about it. I tell them that there are more victims to ask, but it is true that our story was very well known and 20 years after the attack we are still there.
Y.- When did you decide to start skiing? Were the beginnings hard?
I.V.- The first time was in 2005, but I wanted to leave it forever because of how bad it was. Then I returned in 2007 and now directly to the Foundation Team. Also, still very afraid, but wanting to open the way for other women with disabilities who wanted to compete, since until the creation of this team, there was no female category in chair skiing.
And.- Did you find any impediment when you started?
I.V.- The mind is our greatest limit. I looked at those steep slopes and all I wanted was to get off the monoski. Little by little I lost my fear but it took a lot of will to continue doing what at first terrified me and now has become my passion. Thanks to having overcome that paralyzing panic of the black slopes, I can now enjoy the adrenaline that comes from skiing them.
And.- Do you consider the world of skiing to be very competitive?
I.V.- All sports are, perhaps more so the individual ones, but having created the first adapted skiing team in the world, we feel the support of our teammates and the work in team that quite attenuates that competitiveness that I have never liked.
And.- In moments when life plays tricks on us in which our dreams or illusions may be cut short, how far do you think we can go to not let ourselves be defeated?
I.V.- As far as each one wants. There is no limit other than what one wants to set.
And.- What does sport mean to you?
I.V.- Quality of life, relief, enjoyment, self-confidence... I feel phenomenal after having swum for example, and after one of the double sessions in the snow, I am happy.
And.- What advice would you give to someone who would like to get started in snow sports and who is in a similar situation to yours?
I.V.- Let him go for it and not let himself be carried away by fear that only leads to us missing out on many wonderful things in life.
Y.- You have started the year very well, since you won gold in the Spanish Cup and VI Santiveri Trophy. How far would you like to go in the world of sports?
I.V.- I am not too ambitious since I have many other projects outside of snow as well, and therefore I cannot dedicate myself like a Paralympian would, but I would love to finish all the races with good times. we will race in the European Cup Final on March 16 and 17 in La Molina. I see winning as complicated because the European level is much higher than in our country but one never loses hope.
Y.- With two books under your belt, you are embarking on writing a novel. When is another movie script coming?
I.V.- I still have so many things pending... I have to go step by step, first finishing the editorial projects that I have in hand and later, the jump to a film script, which is what I have always liked , but from time to time.
Y.- You focus all your energies, not only on moving forward and fighting every day, getting involved in new projects, but also helping others. What projects do you have in this area?
I.V.- I am planning a trip to Guinea with the "What Really Matters" Foundation, I also continue going to see children with illnesses or disabilities, especially amputations, talks and charity events... Everything we can do for the rest, it will also be your own benefit.
And.- Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I.V.- In Madrid, being a mother of a family.
And.- Your greatest wish?
I.V.- The end of terrorism. Prosperity. A happy family.
