Did you know that Jone Magdaleno, one of Spain’s most promising Taekwondo athletes, started practicing this martial art practically from the moment she could crawl?
With a mix of discipline, talent, and love for the sport, Jone has not only achieved success on the European stage but has also inspired a new generation of practitioners. Discover who this athlete really is and what makes her unique both on and off the mat in this interview.
A Life Dedicated to Taekwondo
Jone Magdaleno grew up surrounded by Taekwondo. Her parents, who owned a Taekwondo club, passed on their love for the martial art from an early age. “I’ve always loved it, both the technique and the combat,” she shares. Although there wasn’t a specific moment that defined her vocation, her connection to the sport grew steadily over time.
“What I value most about Taekwondo are its values: discipline, sportsmanship, and effort,” she explains. These values not only guide her training but also serve as the compass for her life outside the mat.
A Champion’s Routine: Daily Effort and Consistency
For Jone, success isn’t a matter of luck but of hard work. Her daily routine includes two Taekwondo sessions—one in the morning and another in the afternoon—along with gym workouts. As a competition approaches, her coach and physical trainer adjust the workload to ensure she’s in peak condition.
What are her secrets for perfecting her techniques? The answer is simple: repetition and giving 100% effort. “There’s no point in practicing if you’re not doing it with maximum intensity,” she asserts. This mindset also applies to developing skills like flexibility and elasticity, where consistency is key.
Strategy in Combat
On the mat, Jone is strategic and precise. Her favorite kick, the dollyo chagui (roundhouse kick), is her main weapon for dominating matches. For more advanced techniques, such as the double spin or spinning hook kick, she observes and learns from experienced athletes, perfecting them through relentless practice.
She also emphasizes the importance of visualization and training in real-life scenarios to anticipate and react quickly to an opponent’s movements—an essential skill in such a dynamic sport.
Mental Strength: A Key to Success
Physical ability isn’t everything in Taekwondo, and Jone knows this well. Her mental preparation is just as intense as her physical training. Before an important match, she relies on positive visualization and breathing techniques to maintain her calm and confidence. “It’s essential to trust in the preparation you’ve done,” she says.
However, not everything is about staying calm:
“Nerves and pressure will always be there; it’s part of the game. That’s why psychological preparation is crucial.”
This mental focus helps her not only compete but also overcome challenges off the mat.
Unforgettable Moments
The pinnacle of her career so far was becoming European Champion in the senior category. For Jone, this achievement not only marked a milestone in her career but also served as a reward for years of dedication and sacrifice.
But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Like any athlete, she has faced significant challenges, including injuries and unexpected setbacks during competitions. “Staying calm in tough situations is a big challenge, but overcoming them has helped me grow both as an athlete and as a person,” she reflects.
Values On and Off the Mat
Taekwondo has shaped Jone in more ways than one. The discipline and effort this sport has taught her have also helped her achieve academic goals, such as preparing for a competitive exam. And although the journey hasn’t always been easy, she firmly believes that “effort is always worth it.”
She applies these values daily: “All the lessons I’ve learned from Taekwondo, I use in my everyday life.” For her, Taekwondo isn’t just a sport but a way of life.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
Injuries and losses are inevitable in a sports career, but Jone faces them with a positive mindset. During injuries, she stays active by adapting her training, while in moments of frustration after a defeat, she focuses on analyzing and learning from her mistakes.
“No one can stay undefeated forever. Losses teach you more than victories if you know how to learn from them,” she explains. Her motivation to keep going lies in her spirit of self-improvement and her love for the process.
The Future of Taekwondo and Jone Magdaleno’s Legacy
Jone is clear that she still has many goals to achieve. While she doesn’t set limits for herself, she enjoys every step of the journey. She also looks forward to the future of Taekwondo in events like the Olympics, which she believes offer a great opportunity for more people to discover and fall in love with the martial art.
When asked what message she wants to share with future generations, her response is straightforward and full of inspiration: “Don’t limit yourselves. Fight every day for what you want, both in sports and in life.”
A Champion’s Advice for Beginners
For those starting out in Taekwondo, Jone offers a golden piece of advice: “Enjoy the process.” She believes one of the most common mistakes beginners make is seeking immediate results when the true learning lies in the journey.
“A loss can teach you more than a victory if you know how to learn from it,” she states. This mindset of constant growth is what has made her a leading figure in Spanish Taekwondo.
Jone Magdaleno is not just an elite athlete; she is a shining example of dedication, resilience, and love for Taekwondo. Her story inspires anyone striving to achieve their goals, whether on or off the mat. Are you ready to follow in her footsteps?