Diandra Tiel, Brand Manager di Nestle & Ferrero, ta Diandra Tiel, Brand Manager at Nestle & Ferrero, epitomizes patience and tenacity. Before becoming a mother, Diandra's life was filled with activities and professional aspirations. Having a child was not her priority.
“After I made the decision to become a mother, my focus and goals changed almost instantly; I became more reserved and focused on achieving more stable and long-term goals. That focus now and forever is on my son, Luis Mario ‘Cosho’.” Today, her dedication to her son goes beyond just caring for his upbringing, education, and nutrition. Diandra is, outside of her home, the biggest supporter of her son's sporting career in swimming. Whether it's at training sessions or local and even international competitions, Diandra has become the perfect SPORTS MOM for her son.
"I don't know why, but when I was pregnant, I felt that my 'Cosho' would be involved in swimming, even though it's not something we practice as a family. From infancy, Luis Mario participated in survival baby classes in the pool. As he grew, he progressed in swimming and obtained all his swimming diplomas by the age of nine. Today, Luis Mario is a dedicated swimmer, competing locally and internationally, and training intensively every day, nine times a week for nearly 18 hours, from pool to pool, always with his mother by his side.
Diandra's unwavering support is crucial. “The same passion Luis Mario puts into his sport daily is my motivation to push even harder every day to help him reach his goals, his dream. Every time I drop him off at lessons, pick him up, or prepare for a competition, we start brainstorming what the next best move is, plan his nutrition, and see how confident and structured he is to achieve his goals, for me, that is my greatest motivation,” Diandra explains.
Achieving a balance between her professional career and her role as a Sports Mom is a challenge Diandra manages. “Just as I am 100% committed to my son, I am equally passionate and committed to my job.” Her job provides her the flexibility to adjust her work hours so she can be present at her son's important events. However, she admits that it is not easy; as a mother, she feels she cannot afford to miss a second of supporting her son's athletic career. “There have been times when I had to sacrifice and miss one or another competition, mainly abroad, or arrive a little late, because simply the combination was not possible. That is something that breaks my heart into a thousand pieces each time it happens.”
“Luis Mario knows that my love for him is unconditional. There will be no one else in this world who will cherish, care for, and guide like I do. But before I am his friend, I am his mother, and I demand respect, understanding, and teamwork from him. When these three pillars are met, our mother-son relationship flows more smoothly and healthily. I am a straightforward, honest person, and my primary focus is respect for others, not just my son, but also the people around me. By fulfilling this, we have already taken the biggest step towards his personal and athletic development.”
Diandra highlights that as a "Super Mom," she faces significant financial challenges in her son's career, Luis Mario. In these times, Diandra and her partner—a chef at café Tostaoo—get creative to manage the costs associated with training and international competitions for Luis Mario. Strategies include creating special food menus that are sold and directly contribute to Luis Mario's financial fund. They also receive support from family, friends, and sponsors. "We are extremely grateful for all the support," says Diandra, "without which it would be nearly impossible for Luis Mario to achieve his dreams of representing Aruba internationally and reaching Olympic levels."
"Any sport or extracurricular activity is almost indispensable for a child's growth. The main goal is for each child to enjoy, learn, and develop skills by building positive relationships and creating a healthy life. They need to 'have fun' and feel that their family is there to support them at all times. Sports are important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with a positive impact on children's physical and mental health. We need to support and instill this more and more in our children."
Luis Mario plans to continue developing himself athletically and academically, currently enrolled in the NCAA student program to pursue a scholarship and thus study for his professional career combining his passion for swimming, and as a mother, I will be there to support him to achieve this."
SPECIAL MOM & SON TIME:
I make sure every morning at 5:30 am to change rooms and cuddle with Luis Mario for an hour before we have to get up and start our day.
PET NICKNAME:
My Cosho
MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE:
Watching Luis Mario dive into the big sea for the first time during the Crossing for Prevention between Bonaire & Curacao. The mix of fear, love, fright, admiration, pride, and achievement was so beautiful that I believe it was a unique experience for both of us. I think it's something we will never forget.
BIGGEST LESSON FOR YOUR CHILD:
Keep Fuelling your passion, one practice at a time & treat others the way you want to be treated!
LIFE MOTTO :
Life is tough my darling, but so are you!
ROLE MODEL:
My Mother
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