Jesus Romero

Started: He began playing boccia in 2012. (ATN Television YouTube channel, 03 Mar 2023) Reason: He originally competed in artistic gymnastics after he was introduced to the sport at an introductory session at his school. He then spent nine years away from sport after sustaining a spinal cord injury in a gymnastics training session, before he was introduced to boccia by the president of the Colombian Boccia Federation, Olga Saenz. "It was a rebirth for me after my career as a gymnast and nine years of no sport, having once again the chance of feeling the adrenaline of sport." (ATN Television YouTube channel, 03 Mar 2023) Ambition: To win a medal at the Paralympic Games. (Athlete, 26 Aug 2024; ATN Television YouTube channel, 03 Mar 2023) Additional Info: OCCUPATION He works as a lawyer for the government of North Santander department in Colombia. "I am a lawyer, specialised in state contracting and health administration, I currently work with the government of North Santander. [Speaking in 2023] I have been a lawyer for 14 years and 12 [of those] years with the government." He has also served as president of the North Santander Gymnastics League in Colombia. (paranacionales.gov.co, 06 Dec 2023; areacucuta.com, 12 May 2023; laopinion.co, 24 Aug 2016) MENTOR He served as a mentor to Colombian artistic gymnast Jossimar Calvo at the beginning of his career, even allowing Calvo to live at his house for a period of time. "It was a dire situation with his mother who had a low income. His nutrition was not good and alongside coach Jairo Ruiz we decided to take him to my house. I took him to school and then I went to training. I advise him and speak a lot to him. I feel proud every time I see him winning with the Colombian flag. It makes me cry. I feel that I contributed to his formation." Calvo himself regards Jesus as an influential figure in his career. "My parents separated at age five and when I got into gymnastics he was the first person who opened to me the doors of his life and his house. I have valued that because he was like a father to me and he looked after me, he took me to the gym and school, he advised me and I have admired him all my life," said Calvo. (elcolombiano.com, 13 Sep 2015; Canal TRO YouTube channel, 11 Jul 2019)