"I was very proud of myself" - Gustavo Balart relives the gratifying feeling of representing Cuba in the Olympics
Gustavo Balart has already achieved a lot of success in life despite still having yet to realize the full capabilities of his MMA career.
Having transitioned to becoming a fighter later in life, the 37-year-old competitor came to the sport from a very established wrestling background.
Balart found his way to grappling from a young age and showed clear potential which he would eventually live up to.
The decorated athlete has been able to represent his country in several major competitions, including the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Ahead of his return at ONE Fight Night 24, Balart reflected on what this experience was like in an interview with ONE Championship:
"Well, the first time I represented Cuba in an international event, I was very proud of myself. My dream of becoming an Olympic wrestler had come true. I was proud to represent my country in the World Championship, Pan-American competitions and the Olympic Games."
Balart went on to say that whilst he was proud of himself, he will never forget seeing the same emotion from his father:
"I was very happy to see my dream come true and to see the look of happiness on my dad's face."
Gustavo Balart is on the hunt for more gold
There is still some space in the trophy cabinet of Gustavo Balart but he hopes that this won't be the case for much longer. In the main event of ONE Fight Night 24, he will look to leave Lumpinee Stadium with the interim strawweight world championship.
Balart is in for a tough test against the former champion Jarred Brooks, but he is no stranger to competing under the brightest lights. For him, Aug. 2 is just another opportunity to compete on the global stage.
ONE Fight Night 24 will air live in US Primetime, free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.