This is Laura Heredia, the first Spanish pentathlete to participate in the Olympic Games

December 1, 2024

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At just 24 years old, he conquered us at the last Olympic Games in Paris, competing in one of the most complicated sports: the modern pentathlon. But Laura Herediafrom Barcelona and Veterinary student, not only shines on the slopes. Her beauty, style and know-how have also made her in one of the most admired athletes also outside the Olympic Village. We spoke with her, while she poses with some proposals for this season.

This is Laura Heredia, the first Spanish pentathlete to participate in the Olympic Games — With a long dress with a draped bodice and ‘V’ neckline, by Marta Martí, and Aquazzura sandals

Laura, who at only 24 years old combines her sports career - competing in fencing - with her veterinary studies, is also passionate about fashion. — Laura, who at only 24 years old combines her sports career—competing in fencing—with her veterinary studies, is also passionate about fashion.

Laura competing in show jumping, a discipline that has recently been replaced in the modern pentathlon by an obstacle race

—Laura, tell us, what is the day-to-day life of an athlete like you?

—Sometimes I feel like I’m missing hours in the day. I try to organize myself as best as possible to find the balance between my training and the demands of high performance, along with my life as a Veterinary student. I train between four and six hours a day, Saturdays included, and practice between two and five disciplines per day. In my free time, I try to advance in university, but I also prioritize rest, which is essential to perform well during the week. At the end of the day, I always look for a moment to share with my family and friends, it helps me disconnect and recharge.

“When I stepped foot in the Versailles stadium, I felt that all the work had been worth it. It was a unique moment in my sporting career, a dream come true”

Laura — The modern pentathlon was created in 1912 by Pierre de Coubertin. In the women’s category, it was introduced at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. The idea behind the pentathlon was to reflect the skills of an ideal soldier of the time. Our pentathlete poses, next to these lines, with a ‘total look’ of printed pants and shirt, from La Double J.

Pants and jacket, by Maria de la Orden Studio, and shoes by Jimmy Choo — “I try to eat a varied and balanced diet, I try to avoid meat and prioritize sources of vegetable protein and fish,” our protagonist tells us, who we see wearing pants and jacket, from Maria de la Orden Studio, and Jimmy Choo shoes.

“I started practicing modern pentathlon at my school in Sant Boi de Llobregat, when I was five years old, as an extracurricular activity”

An ideal soldier

—What is the modern pentathlon and where does it come from?

—The modern pentathlon combines five very different disciplines: swimming, running, fencing, laser pistol shooting and obstacle course racing (OCR). The OCR is a new discipline within the pentathlon, since, until now, we included equestrian jumping. This has been the most radical change in the history of modern pentathlon and, as athletes, we have to adapt. This sport was created in 1912 by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, and debuted as an Olympic sport that same year, in Stockholm. In the women’s category, it was introduced at the 2000 Sydney Games. The idea behind the pentathlon was to reflect the skills of an ideal soldier of the time.

—Why did you decide to dedicate yourself to this sport?

—I started practicing it at my old school, the Fundació Llor, in Sant Boi de Llobregat, when I was five years old — it is one of the few schools that offer modern pentathlon as an extracurricular activity. Later, at 14, I made the leap to the Blume High Performance Center in Barcelona.

“I train between four and six hours a day, including Saturdays, and practice between two and five disciplines a day”

Laura with "total look" by Emporio Armani — Laura with ‘total look’ by Emporio Armani

—Which of the five disciplines do you like the most?

-He laser runwhich combines shooting and running. It is the only discipline that is practiced consecutively and, in addition, it is the final test within the competition. I love it because it is my strong point and because the two disciplines it combines are completely different from each other. It is also the most exciting, as it is where the pentathlete’s true skill is demonstrated.

—And the least?

—For now, the one I enjoy the least is the obstacle course. It is a completely new discipline for me and requires starting from scratch; It is a great challenge, because it is very different from horse riding. However, I am sure that I will grow fond of it as it progresses.

—You are the first Spanish woman to compete in the modern pentathlon category in the Olympic Games. What did it feel like to see you in Paris?

—When I stepped foot in the Versailles stadium, I felt that all the work and waiting had been worth it. It was a unique moment in my sporting career, a dream come true. While competing, I was fully aware that this was my moment and that I had to make the most of every second, vibrating with the public’s breath. It is an experience that I will always remember with great affection.

Laura poses reclining on a piano wearing a maroon velvet dress, with rhinestones on the neckline, by Giambattista Valli and Jimmy Choo shoes

“The people I love the most”

—Of the entire experience of the Games, what has been the best for you?

—What excited me most was being able to share that experience with the people I love most, especially with my family and, in particular, with my brother Aleix, who was there supporting me in the front row as a coach.

.—In this report you act as a model with autumn-winter looks. Do you like fashion? Do you follow trends?

—Yes, I really like fashion. It’s something I always keep in mind, even after training, when I’m getting ready to go out to dinner with my friends. I love following trends, but I always adapt them to my personal style. For me, taking care of my image inside and outside of sport is important.

—How does Laura Heredia usually dress on a daily basis?

—In my daily life I like to dress elegant, but maintaining comfort. I prefer basic colors, because they are versatile and always look good, especially black, which never fails and is a classic that I love. Additionally, I tend to opt for looser clothing, because it gives me freedom and makes me feel comfortable during my daily activities.

“I really like fashion and following trends, but I always adapt them to my personal style. For me, taking care of my image inside and outside of sport is important”

"In my daily life, I like to dress elegant, but maintaining comfort"Laura says she saw a "total look" by Louis Vuitton. — “In my daily life, I like to dress elegant, but maintaining comfort,” says Laura, who wears a “total look” by Louis Vuitton.

Subtle makeup and loose hair

—And for a special event?

—I like to choose outfits that highlight my figure, generally in dark colors, because I find them elegant and timeless. Sometimes I add a special touch with some bright detail, whether on shoes or clothing, to give it a bit of contrast. I prefer to wear my hair down, but well-groomed, accompanied by subtle and natural makeup that enhances my features without being too striking. In short, I am looking for an elegant and simple “look”, but with personality.

—An athlete who tackles as many disciplines as you, what type of diet should she follow?

—I try to eat a varied and balanced diet, I try to avoid meat and prioritize sources of vegetable protein and fish. I take care with foods that contain saturated fats, but without falling into obsessions; I also indulge myself from time to time, because I think balance is key. For me, good nutrition is not only important for sports performance, but also for feeling good in my daily life.

The Spanish pioneer with "total look" of Dior paintings — The Spanish pioneer with a ‘total look’ of Dior paintings

Laura wearing a black and white dress, with a matching jacket, by Fabiana Filippi and Aquazzura shoes. — With black and white dress, with matching jacket, by Fabiana Filippi and Aquazzura shoes

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