We are FCC Nº22

How did your love and passion for swimming begin and what made you want to take up the sport professionally? It was a doctor’s advice for my mus - culature, and as I really liked the water, my parents signed me up for swimming. What is your daily routine like and what does it involve to do so many activities at the same time and with such intensity? I go to work, eat at home, take a nap and train. I manage it well, but by the end of the week I’m tired and there are days when I get a bit stressed. Do you have to make any sacri- fices to be able to fully dedicate yourself and concentrate on the sport? The worst thing is my diet, I have a nutritionist who sets my meals. On the other hand, I also don’t like it when my friends call me to meet up and I can’t make it. I would also like to be able to attend more drama classes. What does it mean to you to be World, European and Spanish champion, the records you hold and the more than 100 medals you already have? I take it normally. I would like to be an example for people with disabili - ties and, above all, with Down’s Sy - ndrome and tell them that we can go far, wherever we set our minds to. Who has supported you the most in pursuing your dreams? My parents, my family and, above all, my coach. In addition to swimming and your daily work at Aqualia, you also act and work in the theatre. What strikes you most about being an actress and what similarities does it have with sport? At first sight they are different things, but both require a lot of perseveran - ce, effort and dedication. Which of all the places you have discovered and the people you have met around the world have struck you the most, and which of them are you most fond of? In Mexico, the people were very friendly, and in Australia I liked the kangaroos. I liked the champions - hip in Aguascalientes (Mexico) very much, the volunteers treated us very well and we had a great time with them, and as they spoke Spanish... What is the best memory you have so far of everything you have experienced as a swimmer? My first world championship in Flo - rence in 2016, where I managed to beat my first world record in the 200m freestyle. On the other hand, Italian food, which drives me crazy. What goals do you have in mind that you haven’t achieved yet? To be able to participate in the Pa - ralympic Games and to be part of a film or series. In terms of your work at Aqualia since you joined in 2017, what have you learnt working in the HR Culture and People department? The beginnings were difficult becau - se of my lack of knowledge about the job and my shyness. What do you like most about your job and what tasks do you do every day? I love working on the computer and preparing diplomas. I scan, prepare documentation, Excel files, and wha - tever else I am asked to do. And as for the team you are part of... what would you highlight about the people around you? They help me a lot, I love them and above all they treat me as just ano - ther worker, they forget that I have a disability. María de los Ángeles Polo, Blanca Plaza and Carlos Escribano, together with Camino Martínez, form part of the Training, Development and Diversity area of Aqualia’s HR department. P E O P L E 27 P E O P L E