By Beneharo Mesa Illustrated by Capi Cabrera
«IT HAS BEEN A TOUGH ROAD» Crístofer Benítez (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 1990) is a rhythmic gymnast and coach in the same sport at the Evangim club. His successes, which he has battled to achieve for many years, include runner-up in the Spanish championships at the 3rd Men’s Cup held in Santander last year and Canarian Rhythmic Gymnastics champion. However, his biggest battle has been for equality in his favourite sport, given that Crístofer has always had to contend with those who are opposed to boys competing in rhythmic gymnastics. Such opponents did not reckon on the Tenerife gymnast’s strength of character.
amongst themselves. Some coaches and federations accepted me while others didn’t. To tell the truth, some simply did not like me. But my family did not really mind as long as I was doing sport.
How did you begin in rhythmic gymnastics? I had tried several sports previously. I started out in karate, basketball and ordinary gymnastics. In this last case, I would train next to rhythmic gymnasts and I was fascinated by their hoops, the twirling ribbons in the air … I went over, asked about it and then gave it a try.
What went through your mind when you were competing? When preparing routines I try and come up with something comfortable that I will enjoy when competing. The last controversy I was involved in was a performance in which I combined SloMo and Quédate, and it ended up on social media, which prompted criticism by a Russian ice skater. However, singer Chanel saw it and told me she loved it. I was delighted. It is very comforting when you use a song and the singer congratulates you. When I compete I think about
I imagine the road has not been easy, particularly when you are a ground-breaker. I was getting into a sport that was largely for women. It was tough at the beginning because if I was training or in an exhibition or competition, people would see me and say «a boy, how weird». Girls would typically watch me and whisper
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