Gaby Pérez del Solar addressed the Peruvian press to discuss the situation of volleyball players abroad and the possibility of her daughter Ailani playing for the national team of Peru. The Olympic medalist from Seoul 1988 lamented not having received formal invitations from the Peruvian Volleyball Federation.
Pérez del Solar pointed out that she has never received an official contact to facilitate Ailani’s integration into the team. “I have never received a call or an invitation. I know it’s difficult for a Peruvian girl living abroad to play, due to transfer issues and international matters. But my daughter, for instance, Ailani, receives messages on Instagram when she posts her mates and her things,” she expressed.
Ailani, who has shown interest in representing Peru, has been informed by her mother about the complications that come with a potential call-up, especially regarding her academic formation. Pérez del Solar shared: “She told me: ‘Mom, I want to play for Peru.’ I tell her: ‘My love, you are finishing school and going to university. Here they don’t allow you to be away for two or three months without studying.’” Ailani is balancing her high school and university studies, which has made her commitment to education a priority over volleyball.
The former volleyball player emphasized that Ailani prefers to focus on her studies instead of becoming a professional athlete. “Honestly, she prefers to be recognized for her work, for her studies, and for the future job she will have. She is very studious. So, I don’t think that… The level in Europe… I told her: ‘My love, you will never be able to play at an A level,’ because she doesn’t put in enough effort,” she added.
Pérez del Solar, who dedicated her life to volleyball, contrasted her experience with that of Ailani, who currently lives in a different competitive context. “For me, the most important thing is that she studies and completes her degree. I imagine that in the Peruvian team, many girls are not studying and only think about volleyball. For me, education is more important as a backup. If they get injured or are not hired anywhere, what do they do?” she reflected.
During the conversation, Ailani León, who was briefly present, offered her perspective on the possibility of representing Peru. Recalling moments of her mother as a volleyball player, she commented: “I forget that it was so long ago and how good she was. And it’s like: ‘Wow, that’s my mom.’” When asked about playing for the national team, Ailani added: “I would love to, but we’ll see.”
Both made it clear their love for Peru and the possibility of Ailani donning the national jersey in the future.
Source: www.infobae.com
