How did the Hanna Gabriels in boxing history begin?
I initially started because I wanted to lose a little weight. Upon my fathers recommendation I went to the boxing gym in the Sabana. I enjoyed it immediately as I watched the guys training with the punching bag and sparring. It was a process of evolvement to get to the point where i had layed concrete goals before me.
How old were you when you began ?
5 years ago, I was turning 21 years of age.
Who is your biggest support?
I believe there is a huge circle of joint support between my family and friends, who believed in my goals from the very start. However the support recieved that allowed me to dedicate my life to training has been on behalf of Mr William Gomez, President of the Grupo Extra, my friends from Bingo Multicolor in junction with the rRed Cross, Everlast and i need to also thank a big help in the beggening of my carrer to Otero's Pizza. They have all been a huge support. I also counted on the assistance several trainers at different levels of my career and last but not least My Training Team: My father Leslie Gabriels, Mr Ezequiel Obando, my promotor Sampson, my fellow Costa Ricans and the OMB for giving me the opportunity to compete and win the world boxing title in Managua Nicaragua December 19th 2009.
How do you prepare for your matches?
I am currently in a training camp to attain maximum strength. I am also counting with a new nutrition program tailored made to my goals, thanks to the friends at Total natural.
I am very enthused and I am working extremely hard. I am anxious to meet the day that I find myself in the best condition of my life.... thats where I find myself at this point in my life.
How often do you compete?
In boxing timing is relative, due to recovery periods of your last encounter the body needs to regenerate depending on the type of abuse it went through. In my case it also depends upon my promotor.
What championships and trophies have you acclaimed in your history?
Well in boxing.... National Champion (amature), as a professional Fedlatin Champion of the AMB and recently World Championship Title of the OMB until I recently turned over the belt due to health reasons.
Do you consider this sport to be sexist?
No, it may be a sport that is male dominated
but the sexist aspect depends on individuals who are not able to understand that gender is just that gender. We live in a sexist world within boxing as well as out. It is in each one of us to show our children how to accept and strive be it as a man or a woman for the attainment of goals.
What importance have woman placed on this particular sport?
hmmmm...hard for me to answer this question, I believe a woman outside of this sport should answer this. That way we could truly see what type of impact has begun within this sport and the woman who practice it.
How important was the 147 lbs. world title?
I believe the importance lays in the end of the typical views that Costa Rica cannot compete and attain on this level. Talent and potencial overflow but we need the private sector and general public to support these athletic efforts. This would motivate other atheletes to strive even stronger.
Why the decision to not accept the title?
Not accept? Not at all, I accepted the moment i took the opportuntiy to compete. the superhuman effort put forth to achieve the weight. i did not have resources and took it upon myself to handle my nutrition and made the mistake of cutting out all carbs which are the fountain of my energy.
I experienced a weakness i never felt before. The day of weigh in i had a fainting episoide and my father was with me. He asked me if I wanted to call of the fight but I did not want to and he accepted my decision.
After the championship my hours changed and my time was even more constricted due to the new responsibilities. i trained twice a day plus juggling the events I was required to do by the press and other organizations.
I was waking up at 3:15am and going to bed after 12am. It was impossible to believe I was going to reach my next fight in full healthy form much less reach my weight goal. I did not want to put at risk losing the fight because of physical nutritional weakness. The compition is going to be much stronger and am realistic in knowing that if I am not in optimal conditions how can I compete to win.
Why did you decide to lower your weight?
You dont get these opportunities often in life, especially in boxing considering my career is short compared to other female boxers. I felt I could accomplish this challenge, I did it but now circumstances have changed.
has your health been comprimised?
Yes, yes I dont have the same energy and I am taking on a rigorous schedual of training. intense to the point that a healthy Hanna would be difficult to present.
What's in-stored for hanna? Will you be looking for a new championship?
Of course, lets put it this way: This is a bigger motivation for me. It was not easy to turn over my championship title. Something that I spent years preparing for. i want to get it back and therefore I have to prepare myself the way i need to and i promise my supporters, my country that the title will be in our lands once again be it at the 154 lbs. or 147 lbs. weight class. If my body adjust to either weight due to results of my professional nutritionists plan.
Are you counting with the support of your team and family?
Always, health first.
We even heard there maybe a possible pregnancy, how do you respond to this rumor?
Now everyone wants to speculate over everything and anything. no problem, thats the way this is, time will clear all matters up and i for now will concentrate in what i have to do and then we will see if I can surprise all speculating, which of course is my plan..ha ha... you will see a more effective, more mature, focused and stronger Hanna.
What does it mean to be an example to so many people?
I rather be a reference point to those who want to dream with something (with like how I dreamed so much of attaining the championship of the World and how I will continue to dream with and working towards making it a reality) put the batteries in and strive for more. They need to know that they can achieve even if born in a country that sports do not get the support that it should. Regardless it can be accomplished. Will be much harder but in the end that struggle will make the accomplishment mean so much more.
What message would you like to give your followers?
That I am very grateful for the support, affection... that i will continue onward while God continues to bless me with life. i want you to dream and not to stand still waiting for those dreams to become reality by themselves. i invite you to dream but for you to work, you can... If I can.
Favorite place:
Anywhere that God is present, where there is peace and love.
Favorite food:
EVERYTHING!!!!!!!! I love all food , thats why I suffer so much!
Dream to achieve:
Help children and young adults to achieve their goals.
Beach or mountain:
Beach
Favorite movie:
300
Your afraid of ...:
Losing my family or the love of my father Jehova
A normal day for Hannah:
The same as everyone, only that i have to eat in portions and train like crazy.
Complete name:
Hanna Gabriel Valle
Age:
27
Career and studies:
High School and the street, Professional Boxer
The picture above captures this cousins essence at its purest: her smiling with the family behind her. In the picture you see Olga Gabriels Cyrus, Maritza Cunningham Cyrus, Rebecca Cunningham Cyrus (Nena) and one of her biggest fans the late Tia Julie (Julieta Cunningham Cyrus).
Tia Julies last year of life was spent looking forward to sitting front row at Hanna's boxing matches. Hanna... Tia Julie will always be in your FRONT ROW.
