Life is smiling on Mimi Barona, she has just won five consecutive international events in four weeks, two QSs and three ALAS; the Ministry of Tourism named her ambassador of Ecuador; her knee, which had caused her some problems some time ago, is now working wonderfully.

The icing on the cake is missing, which would be to qualify for the CT. The Ecuadorian has been in the top 20 for two years now, and has been in the top 50 for seven. Last year she needed to make it through two series in a prime to enter the elite.

The setback may come soon, or it may never come, whatever happens, Mimi Barona will stand tall, knowing that despite everything against her, she fought her best battle.

What do you think happened that made you change pace so radically between what happened in Australia and what came after?
This is the result of years of preparation. Unfortunately, things didn't work out in Australia, but I was able to turn that pressure into something positive to focus on the upcoming dates.

Why did you choose not to go to Barbados or Martinique?
Not going to Barbados and Martinique was due to a visa issue, these are life situations, but with my work team we were able to restructure the dates and thank God I was able to win five tournaments in a row, including two of the tournaments that we replaced with Barbados and Martinique.

There is something that makes you feel very comfortable at events in Latin America, how would you describe it and what happens that perhaps makes it more difficult for you to get results outside of there?
I work every day with the goal of obtaining positive results wherever I go to compete. I have learned that in surfing everything is done step by step, competition by competition, flaws are polished to turn them into virtues. I am sure that by following this philosophy, not only positive results will soon arrive, but also triumphs outside of Latin America.

How has this year been in terms of support for you? Has the situation improved?
Support from brands that support surfing and the female athletes who practice it is always necessary. Since my beginnings, I have had the support of my beloved Ecuasal Surf Team, headed by Nicolas Febres-Cordero, who share my dreams and I hope to continue giving back that support. Likewise, since 2016, I have been part of Team ÉNDOXO Sports, a company from the USA that, through its CEO Jaime Saltos, is in charge of all the management and advice of my career, which we manage in a very professional manner. I take advantage of the opportunity and call on all companies that may be interested in supporting my career to be part of this family!

How is your knee?
To be honest, I was even surprised at how quickly I recovered with God's blessing; that left knee is as good as new (laughs). I thank the Ministry of Sport and Physiotherapist Monica Delgado for my recovery!

How does the year go?
A full year is coming. The next three QSs planned are; a 1500 in Chile in May, the 6000 in Mexico in June and a 6000 in Oceanside in July.