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Self-expression, quiet introspection… and a healthy dose of Spanish music. That’s Paralympic bronze medallist Columba Blango’s perfect bedtime routine, away from the pressures of para-athletics training.
3 Min Read
Last Modified 13 August 2024 First Added 13 August 2024
Parasports runner and proud Dreams Ambassador Columba Blango is used to pushing himself to the limits of para-athletics performance. That’s why his bedroom, designed around optimism, expression and self-improvement, is such an important retreat.
From early Paralympic ambitions to a colourful childhood bedroom, Columba shares in this exclusive interview how he creates a space for respite and tranquillity away from the pressures of intense training.
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‘I think the earliest memories was watching 2012 and 2016. My dad did the decathlon back in 1980 [at the Moscow Summer Olympics] and I said to him, “I’m gunna do it my way.”
‘I was close enough to almost make it to the British trials as an able-bodied athlete. I didn’t know para-athletes actually existed. When I embraced it, I saw opportunities and I just took everything on hand. And that was it.’
‘I think I started off with a two-bedroom flat with six people in it for me and my family. I had a big family growing up; they moved to a new house, and I’ve been there ever since, so I’ve always had family support around me.’
‘So originally my bedroom was the colour orange! I had to change it to blue after a few years, just needed to change something!
‘I love white and blue. But I think it depends on the room that you’re in, and so I like to create that room in which I can express myself.’
‘My bedroom at home is small, it’s got a desk and everything I need. I just kind of made it into my own personal space. Expressive, calm, but just peaceful.’
‘I like playing music in my room. Usually quite loud, actually!
‘It’s a mix of English and Spanish. I love the two. You put two together, it’s such a good rhythm to me. It just sets your whole mood.’
‘I like to dial down, properly sit down sometimes, look out the window. And then just think about the next day. I guess it’s just optimism!
‘What can I do to improve for the next day? What have I not done today that I can do tomorrow? I like to think about these things.’
‘Sleep is important to recover from the strains of the day. I forget what happened in the past, I just live in the present! So where I am now is more important and then whatever happens after, I think the result will show itself. I like to take it one step at a time.’
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