We see him briefly in the documentary dedicated to Luis Enrique broadcast this fall. But Sira Martinez Cullell, her full name, is much more than the daughter of the PSG coach. A high-level rider, aged 24, she is starting to make a name for herself on the world show jumping circuit. At the end of November, she will take part in her first World Cup stage on the slopes of Madrid. The opportunity for Sira Martinez to confide her ambitions, objectives and discuss her journey this Wednesday with the Spanish newspaper Marca.
“I started riding very little,” she begins, recalling her beginnings in a school near Barcelona, where Luis Enrique evolved as a player and then coach. Today, Sira Martinez is trained by Pedro Veniss, a Brazilian rider who participated in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games this summer (eliminated before the final). “It was magnificent (to attend the Olympics), says the Spanish rider. Especially in Versailles, it was crazy. We had chills.” When talking about the Olympic event, Sira Martinez even dares: “The Olympic Games are a long-term goal but I would love it. Before that, I still have many more to achieve. »
Step by step, therefore, for the one who currently ranks 1,243rd in the world (257th among those under 25). At the end of November, in Madrid, she will enter the deep end among the elite of world show jumping. All while remaining attentive to the advice of his illustrious father. “When I ask him for advice, it’s more for me than for the athlete because he doesn’t know much about horses,” describes Sira Martinez. But it’s true that last year I had a bad period in terms of sport and he was able to help me. He is a top athlete and he knows that there are good times and bad times. »
Sira Martinez also serves as president of the Xana Foundation, named after her little sister, who died at the age of 9 from a rare disease in 2019. “The whole family dreams of being able to help those affected and support them in these difficult times, she explains. I’m very caught up in the competition, but whenever I can help, I do. »
