Maria Zosa: A Champion of Self-Trust and Resilience
In the heart of Jakarta, Indonesia, the FS Pool Championship 2023 recently concluded with a bang, leaving the crowd in awe and admiration for the exceptional talents displayed on the pool deck. Among the standout athletes who graced the competition, one name shone brightly - Maria Zosa. Her journey in the championship was a testament to the power of self-belief, resilience, and the pursuit of fun in sports.
Join us as we debrief with Maria Zosa.
Photo Credits: @sahidmaul @yuujifujito
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Maria Zosa, Filipina, Molchanovs Freediving Instructor Trainer and Senior Yoga Teacher, emerged as the Best Female in DYN (Dynamic Apnea) and DYNB (Dynamic Apnea with Bi-fins) categories. However, her triumph extended beyond these titles, as she secured the 2nd place overall in the competition. What made her victory even more remarkable was her spontaneous decision to join the championship and her unique approach to the event.
When asked about her motivation to participate, Maria confessed:
"This was a very last-minute decision. 😅 I did a fun mini pool comp in Amed a week before and I wanted to redo my static performance, hence my signing up."
Her willingness to embrace the unexpected and her love for the sport shone through, setting the stage for an extraordinary journey.
What made the FS Pool Championship 2023 special for Maria Zosa was the sheer joy and fun she experienced throughout the event:
"This was special for me because it was the first comp this year where I enjoyed every moment and had so much fun," she shared.
For Maria, the competition was more than just a test of skill; it was an opportunity to conquer personal demons.
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Maria's journey to this championship had not been without challenges. She had faced depression, which had eroded her self-trust and confidence. Yet, in the midst of this competition, she found the strength to overcome her mental barriers.
"Depression made me lose the ability to trust myself, and I regained it in one of my dives during this competition," she confessed. Her story resonates with many who struggle with similar issues and serves as an inspiration for all to overcome their inner battles.
Segue: Watch our ProRank documentary for Maria titled: "Ocean Deep + Soul Deep" here.
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Despite her unorthodox preparation for the competition, with no pool training in over two months due to her focus on depth training, Maria demonstrated that mental fortitude and a love for the sport can carry an athlete through. Her key takeaways and learnings from this competition are a testament to her wisdom:
- Always have faith in yourself: Maria's journey was a testament to the power of self-belief. In the face of self-doubt and adversity, she proved that trusting oneself is the first step towards success.
- Never let ego, titles, or numbers get into your head: Maria's humility shines through her words. She reminds us that it's important to stay grounded and true to oneself, no matter how many accolades one may accumulate.
- Overcoming doubts and ego are the greatest wins: In the world of competitive sports, personal growth and overcoming inner hurdles are often more significant than any trophy. Maria's journey exemplifies this truth.
- As Maria looks ahead to her next competition, her game plan is clear and straightforward: "Have fun and keep working in silence 🤍." Her commitment to enjoying the process and continuing her journey as an athlete is an inspiration to all aspiring athletes.
Maria Zosa's triumph in the FS Pool Championship 2023 goes beyond her titles and rankings. It is a story of personal growth, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of joy in sports. Her journey reminds us that the true essence of competition lies not only in winning but also in the lessons learned and the battles conquered along the way. Maria Zosa is not just a champion of the pool; she is a champion of the human spirit.