If you were anywhere near twitter or watched the Olympics this past weekend, then you probably heard about #PicaPower and the amazing Monica Puig. Now, if you haven’t already, let me sum it up. Monica Puig is a twenty two year old Puerto Rican woman who made history last night. How? By winning Puerto Rico’s first olympic gold medal…ever. Making her the first woman to win an olympic medal in Puerto Rican history and the first Puerto Rican to win a gold medal.
However, it doesn’t end there. Monica isn’t only important because her name is going down in history books. No. it doesn’t end there. You see, Puerto Rico is at a mourning period of sorts. We’re facing a debt crisis that no one wants to claim. The United States government has proposed a bill that would make vulture fund owners the priority. (Over the Puerto Rican population, yes.) It seems as though everyone is stressed, sad, and worried these days. We’re facing a reality that we were forced and tricked into and our bullies just get to wear the cape, cut an unfair deal, and call themselves heroes. So, you ask again… how does Monica fit into this?
One of my favorite parts about this whole weekend, was watching how my entire country stopped to watch monica Puig’s games. You see, Monica entered the Olympics as an underdog. She places 34th in the WTA English League rankings. Posseses only one title in the WTA league, and played for a country that up until yesterday, had never won an olympic gold medal. It’s fair to say that few saw this win coming.
In fact, before qualifying for semi-finals, Monica played against Garbiñe Muguruza who ranks 4th on the WTA singles ranking list. Spanish online magazines like MARCA underestimated Monica due to her lack of awards calling her an “easy prey for someone as skilled as Mugurunza”. In a matter of two sets, Monica managed to make them second guess themselves when she beat Mugurunza 6-1 (both times!). MARCA had to apologize (More than once) for underestimating Puig’s skill to Puig fans and Puerto Rican followers everywhere.
So, I remind you again: Monica Puig entered this competition as an underdog. This made her success even more amazing. So much so, that almost all of Puerto Rico stopped functioning to watch Monica win every game. Teachers stopped class to project the game onto classroom boards. Office meetings were held in rooms with TVs so that everyone could see. Strangers shared phones, and online streams just to cheer her on. For that hour or more, my island was at peace. It was on the very edge of its seat cheering Monica and her #PicaPower on. That is why she’s my hero.
You see, Monica Puig showed the entire world what Puerto Ricans are made of. Set after set, she did not lose her spirit, strength, or perseverance. Monica showed everyone what she was made of and provided us with a ray of sunshine during dark times.
Dear Monica Puig,
If by any chance you ever find yourself reading this article, I want you to thank you. Do not take this lightly, though. I am not solely thanking you for bringing gold to our country, no. I’m thanking you for the ripple effect that you caused. You stood in front of every single naysayer and proved them wrong one score at a time. You united a country that’s been beaten down for far too long even if for just a couple of minutes. You proved that one person alone can bring an entire country to tears, screams, and joy. Thank you. Thank you for showing us that we can do anything. Thank you for showing us that to reach our goals and dreams all we need is hard work, perseverance, and some Pica Power.
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