Nina Buitrago Interview
July 26, 2008 @ 8:08 AM - Features: Interviews
Do you still get nervous before a big contest?
Yes! I always wonder if during my run I’ll have the nerve to try all of the stuff on the course I spotted beforehand.
What is the atmosphere like behind the scenes?
Behind the scenes, I’d say it’s just a lot of chilling and riding, straight up fun, because if you’re not having fun, then what is it for?
You must travel a lot: what are your suitcase essentials?
My toothbrush, some sunscreen, plenty of socks, undergarments, one nice outfit (can‘t always be looking like a dirty bike rider ha, ha!), and safety gear! I went on a trip through the northwest once with all of these amazing cement parks and I somehow forgot my pads! There were so many more things I think I would’ve done at some of those spots had I had my pads. I still went for it a lot and came home all beat up after that trip. So far, that has been one of the worst things I’ve forgotten, so make sure you bring your safety gear!
What have been your biggest career setbacks?
Injuries. I dislocated my shoulder five times in one year and got a severe ankle sprain that had to be casted for almost two months… Both are still kind of keeping me from going as big as I’d like to at the moment.
But on the flip side, what have your greatest achievements been so far?
Despite the injuries, I’ve managed to learn some new tricks, take first at all the girls contests in the last two years and move up in the ranks at the guys comps too. I even opened my mind up to riding mountain bikes and recently took first in Girls Park and Street events too!
Who or what are your inspirations?
All girls who ride everywhere! I’m inspired by genuine people who are driven, when you can totally see it in their riding and personality. The younger girls on the come up from Australia, South America and the UK are killing it. They are doing things I never thought I’d see a girl do on a bike, and they are a perfect example to others. Seeing them progress helps me work towards my own goals that much harder, as well as pursue my mission to make it easier for girls everywhere to get into riding.
What affect does your career have on your personal life?
Well if anything I’ve made so many more friends all over the world, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
How do you relax when you get the chance?
I love the beach - any chance I get I try to go to the beach! The sound of the ocean and the feeling of the sand always hits my reset button.
What’s up next for you?
Getting ready for Woodward Camp and some etnies Girls Get on Board clinics! Woo!
