Living without limits: Interview with Zaida Pérez Bugueño

Zaida, tell us a bit about yourself, what’s it like to live without limits?

At the age of 30, I had a car accident. The doctor told me I would have to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, but he was wrong.

For some time now, I spend a great deal of it on a sailboat, where the disability disappears. There are no limits for me; I lead an intense life, where I do everything and lack hours in the day to do more things I’d like to.

I never refrain from doing something because there’s a staircase or because it might not be suitable for me. There’s always a way to solve it, and I adapt to everything, often with help. But receiving help from someone else is a double opportunity: for me to receive love and for the other to give it.

What does sailing mean to you?

To me, sailing is a gift from divinity, it’s the compensation that existence gives me. It came just when I needed to make a change in my life, to focus on myself and fulfil my purpose of living fully.

How did you get into sailing?

I started by practicing surfing as a personal challenge. I had to make an important decision in my life, but I was very afraid. I thought that if I could surf, I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I needed to build up courage within me; if I could do it, nothing would scare me anymore.

So, one day at the sports clothing store, I met Myle, and I invited her to surf, and she invited me to sail. I loved learning from my club companions. Since in Chile, we only sail in calm waters (if there’s rain or winds exceeding 15 knots, the maritime authority suspends navigation for small vessels), I never suspected that in competitions I would face more adverse scenarios. But I really love living those adventures, although I admit that the first time I enter new waters or when there’s a lot of wind or rain, I get quite scared, but I rely on the courage I gained from surfing.

What milestones have marked your sports career?

The most important milestone was participating in the 2023 World Sailing Championships in The Hague, thanks to the support of World Sailing through their Inclusive Development Program (IDP), which sponsored a large part of the travel costs, as well as professional training provided by Matt Grier and equipment.

For me, as an athlete from an emerging nation, it has changed my life because it has given me the opportunity to access training, days of sailboat use, and travel to competitions, amongst other things.

Without that significant support, it would be almost impossible for me to project myself at a professional level.

Have you had difficult moments in your career?

I think beyond the inclement weather that has led me to experience extreme situations, the most complex thing happened outside the water during an event last year,  but it stopped being a nightmare when World Sailing, almost without knowing me, supported me unconditionally. World Sailing urged me to officially report the issue and conducted a complete investigation according to their statutes, as well as providing emotional support at all times, especially Hannah Stodel, who from day one had the closeness and warmth necessary for me to have the confidence to tell her what was happening.  

For me, it was a very embarrassing situation; my self-esteem was at rock bottom, and I didn’t dare to take the step to confront the problem. This is something I don’t like to talk about, but I think it’s necessary to mention in case any athlete experiences a similar situation, I would recommend that they don’t hesitate to talk to someone from World Sailing because they will find the support they need. 

What are the next steps in your sports career?

For now, the nearest competitions are in California, The Netherlands, and Australia, as well as local events. I am constantly preparing physically to arrive in good condition and represent my country in the best possible way. In this regard, World Sailing is always supporting me and providing opportunities to develop as an athlete.

What do you dream of?

My main goal is always to improve my personal records. I’m not competing with other athletes but surpassing myself. If I could dream, I would like to spend a whole season or several months, at least, training in a country where I can sail competitively.

Tell us a bit more about yourself, what’s the secret to always wearing a smile? I live each day consciously connected to gratitude and seeing the good things in life and trying to live it to the fullest.

This is because when I had the accident that left me in a wheelchair, I broke my spine and some ribs, blood entered my lungs, and suddenly I couldn’t breathe. I panicked and asked God to let me live to raise my children —they were still babies. A miracle happened, and air entered my lungs again.

Since then, I feel that every day I’m here is a gift because I’m aware of how fragile life is and that at any moment, our time could come. The pandemic also showed us that characteristic of life.

What message would you give to those reading?

Live fully, exploring every facet of being human. Be grateful for what you experience; accept life as it is. If you’re going through something difficult, it’s for a sense of learning that the soul needs to experience.

Seize each day because we have the privilege of being on this planet and in this era where we can travel anywhere, eat food from all countries, access information as never before, love more freely.

In a way, we have a better life than that of any King.

Think of it this way: Imagine you’re on vacation in a beautiful city. Would you stay locked in the hotel or watching TV all day? Or would you go out to make the most of every moment? With that perspective, you should look at your life.

So, even in those most challenging moments, smile at life and give thanks for the lessons. As we say in surfing, the wave spins you around but then lets you go, and later, you’ll remember that moment as an anecdote.

That’s the invitation for everyone: to enjoy and appreciate every minute of their existence.