Being Bold Leads You to Gold: Insights from Portuguese World Champions

In the world of gymnastics, success doesn’t come from following the norm but from breaking barriers, pushing boundaries, and daring to be bold. This is exactly what the "Being Bold leads you to Gold" campaign celebrates, and we had the chance to hear from three incredible Portuguese athletes who embody this mindset. Fresh off their victories, Gonçalo and Miguel, who took home gold in the Dynamic Duo at the 2024 AcroWorlds in Guimarães, and Nádia, a junior aerobic gymnastics champion who dominated the World Junior Championship in Pesaro, shared their thoughts on boldness, risk-taking, and the role confidence plays in their performances.

Bold Moves in Unconventional Moments

When asked about the boldest moment in their careers, each athlete pointed to times when they defied expectations. For Nádia, it’s about the daily grind of training hours, even during holidays and personal milestones. “It’s not something everyone does, but it’s the only way I could achieve my goals.” She highlights that her routine, though unconventional, is the key to her success.

Gonçalo and Miguel, on the other hand, recall their golden performance at AcroWorlds. After a season full of challenges, they risked performing a dynamic routine that had previously been inconsistent. Miguel reflects, “We pushed ourselves by keeping an element that hadn’t worked well all season, but in that final moment, it clicked.” Their risk paid off, proving that bold decisions in the heat of competition can lead to victory.

Finding Balance: Style vs. Functionality

Gymnastics wear needs to balance functionality with style, but these champions have their own unique takes. For Gonçalo, functionality is a must during training, but he admits to leaning toward style in his daily life. “In the gym, it’s about being practical. Outside of it, I enjoy expressing myself through fashion.”

Miguel finds a harmony between the two, knowing that both comfort and style boost his performance. Nádia, looking ahead to her senior debut, hopes to balance her rigorous training with her studies, a challenge she’s determined to tackle with both grace and grit.

Everyday Boldness and Unconventional Habits

Beyond competition, boldness can show up in the smallest of habits. Miguel has a quirky superstition: he only trains in white socks. “It might sound strange, but it’s something that keeps me grounded. No black, no blue—just white.” Nádia admits she hasn’t yet convinced herself to jump out of a plane but hints that skydiving could be her next big adventure.

These athletes show that boldness doesn’t always have to be grand gestures—it can be woven into the fabric of everyday life.

Goals Yet to Be Achieved

Even after their victories, these champions are far from satisfied. Gonçalo and Miguel are laser-focused on winning a medal at the World Games. To get there, they’re ready to up the ante, increasing the difficulty of their routines. “We want to make our elements even more secure and impressive,” says Gonçalo. Nádia also has her sights set high, preparing for her senior year while setting bold new goals for herself.

The Power of Confidence

Gymnastics is a sport where confidence plays a crucial role. When asked if their on-mat confidence translates into their personal lives, all three athletes agreed. “The confidence I show on the floor helps me in competition, and when I feel good in what I wear, my confidence increases,” Nádia says. For Gonçalo, a comfortable and stylish outfit can make a world of difference: “When I’m wearing a suit I like, I feel more powerful.”

Miguel echoes this, noting how their confidence on the mat reflects their relationship as a team. “Our routines are a reflection of ourselves, and our achievements feed back into our personal lives, pushing us to aim even higher.”

The Right Outfit Makes All the Difference

It’s no surprise that clothing plays a key role in how these gymnasts feel before they step onto the floor. Miguel fondly remembers the leotard they wore during their winning dynamic routine at AcroWorlds, saying, “It was one of our favorites, and it absolutely influenced our confidence in that performance.”

As these athletes have shown, being bold means pushing yourself, taking risks, and wearing your confidence like a badge of honor. Whether it’s a risky routine, a stylish leotard, or the courage to balance the demands of life and sport, "Being Bold leads you to Gold" is more than a motto—it’s a way of life.