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When was the point for you that you thought you had a good chance of going to the 2016 Olympics in Rio?
Gabriela Diaz: I always stayed positive about that, but the real point was at the World Championships in Medellín. I didn't want to know about the standings for qualification, so at world championship I didn't know how far or close I was to qualify, I just tried to do my best every race, so it was a little surprise when Sarah Walker told me after my second moto in Colombia that I was already qualified for the Olimpics. She gave me the very good news and I felt so happy!

Can you explain what kind of sacrifices you have to make as a professional BMX racer to be on top of your game all the time?
Gabriela Diaz: I don't call it sacrifices, because I'm doing what I love to do and not everybody has this oportunity, but if I have to say something that I put on a side I can say maybe to spend more time with my family and my boyfried. And there are a lot of things that I do as eat good food, to have good rest every day, and meet the training plan.

How important has your coach been on your road to Rio?
Gabriela Diaz: He's been very important, always with a word at the right moment to help me. I think my coach and my psycologist were very important.

How did it feel being part of your national Olympic team?
Gabriela Diaz: I work really hard every day and it is so comfortable to feel that effort has its rewards. It is an honor and also a big responsibility to represent my country at the Olimpics.

Did you get some social media updates done while you were in Brasil?
Gabriela Diaz: I tried to keep out of social media until I finished the competitions....

After disastrous test events on the Olympic track, what were your thoughts when you saw the colourful track when you arrived at the Games?
Gabriela Diaz: I saw some pictures of the track before but it was beautifull to see it with that colour. The only problem was that when I ride on the track it was hard to see the reliefs, I had a hard time adjusting the view.

How much practice did you get on the track before racing started and was it enough?
Gabriela Diaz: I arrived to Rio recovering from a broken collar bone, so for practise I couldn't ride very much because it was still so painfull so the time for me for practise was enough, I would need to move the race 1 week after so I could finish my recovery.

How tight was security in Rio?
Gabriela Diaz: It wasn't so tight, it was normal, not extra security

Did it feel special being in one place with so many top athletes (from different sports) at the same time?
Gabriela Diaz: This is the most beautifull part of the Olympics, to share the village with all these athletes, just being part of it is so special!

Were you happy with your results?
Gabriela Diaz: Yes, I'm very happy with the results keeping in mind that I was recovering from a broken collarbone.

Were you happy with your results?
Gabriela Diaz: Yes, I'm very happy with the results keeping in mind that a few days before the race I wasn't sure if I would be ready to participate, so, I'm very happy to be able to do the 3 motos and be part of this experience.

Do you have a moment during the race where you wish you had made a different choice?
Gabriela Diaz: Well, not during the race, but I wish to decide not to go to the track the day I broke my collar bone, on July 19th...

Who were your picks for the gold one week before the race (men/women)?
Gabriela Diaz: For women I was sure that Mariana was going to repeat the gold, and for men I thought Sam or Maris.

Ever since you made it back home, have things changed much after the games?
Gabriela Diaz: Things have not changed very much, maybe some more media attention, but just a few days after.

Did you do any special appearances back home as an Olympian?
Gabriela Diaz: I went to some schools to share the olympic experience with the children, also went to a training meeting to speak about my carreer, and I made some photos for calendars to help charitable foundations.

Are you going to put all the effort into it again to do it all over in Tokyo 2020?
Gabriela Diaz: Well, I'm not sure yet, I'll be 39 years old in Tokio and maybe there will appear another priorities in my life, I have to make some decisions along with my boyfriend and work with the psychologist.

Last words: What I learned with my Olympic experiences is that the Olympic games are the most wonderfull experience for an athlete, just being part of it, feeling part of its fantastic history is enough. It doesn't matter the result of the race, doing the best you can and enjoy every moment in the Olympic village is the most important thing and I will keep it in my mind for the rest of my life.

And I would like to thank my sister Mariana that being the substitute to go to Rio she never wanted to occupy the place when a broke my collarbone and she just kept helping me and encouraging. I think this is part of the Olympic spirit.