Adriana Ruano Oliva’s journey to Olympic gold is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of finding new opportunities when life throws a curveball. The Guatemalan shooter, who made her debut at the ISSF World Cup Final in New Delhi, finished 10th out of 11 participants in the women’s trap, a somewhat underwhelming performance compared to her groundbreaking achievements earlier in the season. However, this blip on the radar pales in comparison to the monumental feat she accomplished just two months prior. At the Olympic shooting competition in Chateauroux, the 29-year-old achieved a personal best of 122 in qualifying, followed by an Olympic record of 45 in the final, securing the gold medal in the women’s trap event. This victory was not just a personal triumph, but a historical one, as it marked the first-ever Olympic gold medal for Guatemala in any sport.
Adriana’s journey to the podium is a story of overcoming adversity. A gymnast since the age of four, she was a rising star in Guatemala, with dreams of competing at the Olympics. However, her path was abruptly derailed by a career-ending spinal injury at 17. Gymnastics, her first love, was no longer an option. But Adriana’s spirit was not broken. Her doctor suggested trying another sport, and a friend of her brother, a shotgun shooter, recommended she give it a go. Although shooting was a far cry from the dynamic movements of gymnastics, Adriana was drawn to the challenge. “I didn’t like it at first, but with time, I started loving and becoming passionate about the sport,” she admits, highlighting the mental and physical shift required in transitioning between the two disciplines.
Despite her initial doubts, Adriana’s natural talent and determination shone through. She started competing in domestic competitions and began winning, a surprise even to herself. The year 2014 marked a significant turning point in her career, as she participated in her first international competition, the Continental Championships in Guadalajara. Although her debut was far from stellar, it only fueled her desire to compete.
The real turning point came during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, an event Adriana was not even competing in, but volunteering at. Witnessing her Guatemalan teammates, Enrique and Hebert Brol, compete ignited a spark within her, solidifying her decision to take shooting seriously. This determination led her to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by taking silver at the 2018 Pan American Championships.
While Tokyo ended with a 26th place finish, Adriana continued to hone her skills and improve. Her relentless pursuit of excellence culminated in a gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Games, securing her spot in the Paris Games. In the lead-up to Paris, she set a personal best of 118/125 at the Doha Olympic shotgun qualifiers, culminating in her historic victory in Chateauroux.
Adriana’s success is even more remarkable considering the challenges she faced. Shooting, a relatively minor sport in Guatemala, receives limited funding, and the country only boasts one shotgun range, located in the capital, Guatemala City. Adriana’s family and the National Olympic Committee provided support, but the financial limitations meant she couldn’t train or compete as extensively as athletes from other countries. She even started her career using a shotgun that belonged to the National Federation, only acquiring her own gun after qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics.
Balancing her training with her work as a dietician adds another layer of complexity to her life. Despite these challenges, Adriana’s unwavering dedication and her Olympic gold medal have sparked a wave of interest in shooting within Guatemala. With the government starting to build a new shotgun range, the future of the sport in the country looks brighter than ever.
Adriana’s story is an inspiration for anyone facing adversity. Her journey from a promising gymnast to an Olympic champion is a reminder that even when dreams seem shattered, new opportunities can arise. By embracing new challenges and pushing beyond limitations, Adriana not only fulfilled her own dreams but also inspired a nation to believe in the power of perseverance.