Demita Vega de Lille, Olympic windsurferDemita Vega de Lille, with permission
Demita Vega de Lille is an Olympic windsurfer from Cozumel, Mexico. She is a fifteen-time national champion, world cup winner, three-time Pan American Games medallist, and has represented her country at the Olympic games; first in 2008, and again in 2016 and 2020.[1] A short documentary by Rob Homes, Demita, is a finalist at the 20th Annual MY HERO International Film Festival.
Demita Vega de Lille, with permissionDemita (center) enters the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
When Demita Vega de Lille moved from the island of Cozumel to the city to pursue a better education, one of the things she missed most was her connection to the ocean. Whenever she got the opportunity to visit home, she would spend every available minute in the sea. “The beach wasn't enough,” Vega de Lille told MY HERO, “I wanted to be in the sea looking towards the shore, instead of in the beach looking at the horizon.” It was this desire to be at one with the ocean which led her to think about windsurfing:
I got curious about windsurfing, the experience of being in the water and using the natural elements as propulsion. There is no noise, no pollution, the sea animals approach with more interest towards a board than a motorboat. The feeling of gliding in the waves and being one with the ocean is incomparable; there are few sports that offer a direct feeling of the ocean elements as this one. You could be on a sailing boat, but still will feel a bit of separation between the equipment and the ocean. With windsurfing, kite, or wingfoiling, everything that is happening under water, at the surface, and on the air that you are using for propulsion, you are able to feel and respond, the interaction is direct, the response that the water gives you from a gentle movement of the ankles or toes is immediate, the same happens with the hands and the wind. Energy is flowing from the water up and from the wind down passing through your body.
Demita Vega de Lille, with permissionVega de Lille trains on her home island, Cozumel.
Throughout her career, Vega has won numerous titles at various events around the world. When asked about her proudest achievements, however, she spoke about the losses she has experienced over the years. She told MY HERO that she is proudest when able to recover from a challenging loss, as doing so requires mental and emotional strength. She also talked of the importance of detaching self-worth from results. “I’m [still] able to appreciate the wins,” she said,” “the difference is that I don't let those define me as a person.” On the most memorable moments of achievement in her career, Vega shared two stories. The first, the final competition of her career, and the second, the experience of returning to the Olympic Games after giving birth to her daughter.
One moment I hold dearly in my heart, is my last Pan American games in Chile 2023. I´d already decided that those were gonna be my last games. The mere process of qualifying for those games was tough. I had to deal with a lot of obstacles external to the sport; I needed to develop mental strength that I hadn't had before. Finally, I qualified and got to the city of Algarrobo. The sea was rough, the wind and water conditions were like no other. The culmination of 20 years of sporting career took place in that race, and I was surrounded by my family, my husband, my mother, and daughter. In the end they were able to see me perform for the last time and win a medal for my country. Sharing that experience with them is something I will always remember with joy.
Another moment that brings me pride is coming back to the Olympic arena after giving birth to my daughter. Being a mom is the hardest and at the same time most rewarding action a woman can make. Trying to balance the sleepless nights with high performance training was difficult, not knowing if I would be able to reach the goal of qualifying to my third Olympics, racing against younger athletes, but still committed, having to come back from behind after being used to be on the top. And in the end, it all paid off. I’m very proud of that.
Demita Vega de Lille, with permissionDemita Vega de Lille poses with her daughter after having qualified for the Olympic Games.
Vega explained that one of the strongest sources of motivation for her through the challenging experiences above was her daughter. She wanted to be an example and prove to her daughter that, no matter what they are and how impossible they may seem, she can achieve her dreams.
To achieve their dreams, many people have their own personal heroes to serve as inspiration and offer support. On this, Vega explained:
Windsurfing is an individual sport, but impossible to achieve mastery without the help of others. I’ve been lucky to be surrounded with wonderful people who helped me towards this journey.
Vega’s uncle has inspired her love of the ocean over the years; even now, at sixty-five-years-old, he continues to spend every afternoon windsurfing. “He has a wind sports school and has transcended the world of competition,” Vega explained, adding, “all the time he spends in the water is an offering to the ocean.” Vega’s husband is also a talented athlete and shares her love of water sports and the outdoors. He has been beside her throughout her journey to becoming a world champion. Her mentor, Rev. Zenji Neo has taught her how to utilise advanced mental and spiritual techniques, both in her sport and in other aspects of her life, which has enabled her to build the mental strength required to succeed in the world of sports.
Demita Vega de Lille, with permissionDemita trains in Rio de Janeiro, ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games.
As well as for the people that have supported her throughout her journey, Vega has a deep appreciation for the ocean and is passionate about ocean conservation. She explained:
Living on an island creates consciousness about the natural resources, and the importance of preservation and living in integration with nature. There is a current problem in the sewer and drain systems of the island where I live, and [I] would like to be part of the solution.
One of the ways she hopes to do this is by collecting rainwater which can then be used in the home; this is particularly feasible in Cozumel, as the island receives a lot of rain throughout the year. Vega believes that if more people begin to utilise the rain fall, the effects of the island’s water management issues could be significantly minimized. Another finalist in the 2024 MY HERO International Film Festival, Water Flows Together, highlights the importance of water as a resource on our planet. On this, Demita Vega shared:
Water is the main element of planet earth. I give a huge thank you to Water Flows Together for their efforts in spreading the message and big congratulations for being an official selection for an award with MY HERO 20th international film festival.
Watch Rob Holmes’ film about Demita here.
About the MY HERO International Film Festival:
The My Hero Film Festival is an annual event dedicated to showcasing films that celebrate the power of the human spirit. The festival provides a platform for filmmakers to share inspirational stories of everyday heroes. Thanks to generous sponsors, prizes are awarded to elementary, middle school, high school, college and professionals in a variety of categories including documentary, narrative, music video, animation, experimental, and more.
The festival aims to inspire audiences to recognize the heroism in their own lives and encourage positive actions in their communities. Learn more.
Join us in celebrating 20 years of The MY HERO International Film Festival on November 16, 6pm @ the Ann and Jerry Moss Theater at New Roads School in Santa Monica, California. Find out more HERE.
Page created on 11/3/2024 11:18:53 PM
Last edited 11/3/2024 11:29:53 PM
