When Elena Gomez won the gold medal on floor exercise at last fall's World Championships in Debrecen, Hungary, she made Spanish history. Until 2002, the Spanish women's best result in Worlds competition was fourth place. Gomez looks to make history again at the 2003 Worlds and 2004 Olympics, and keep her country in the medals.
"Elena is very serious, disciplined, hard-working and responsible," coach Jesus Carballo, Sr., told IG.
Gomez began training at age nine in her native Manacor, a town in the Balearic Islands known as "The City of Pearls." The 17-year-old star has five siblings: Marta, 22; Carlos, 19; Claudia, 12; Natalia, 11; and Daniel, 10. (Gomez's two younger sisters Claudia and Natalia are also gymnasts).
"I feel she is very special because she is bright, gracious, a little timid, and sweet," describes her mother, Antonia. "But most of all Elena has character, which you need for the sport she has chosen."
Gomez says her favorite events are balance beam and floor exercise. Outside of the gym, she enjoys reading and listening to music. Her favorite recording artists are the Beatles and Elvis Presley.
In spite of her newfound fame, Gomez says she realizes what she will need to repeat her 2002 results. "On every event, I have to keep working as I have done up to now."  

IG Online Spotlight Gymnast, February 2003

Official Webpage (copied)

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