How a gorilla got me into the Olympics | Elsa Sanlara (Sanchez-Lara) | TEDxPortsmouth
When Elsa Sanlara joined Mexico’s National Taekwondo Team at just 17, she thought she was training for medals. But the lessons that shaped her most weren’t about winning—they were about becoming. In this powerful TEDx talk, Elsa shares how elite athletic training prepared her for something even harder: adapting as an immigrant, challenging stereotypes, and finding her place in unfamiliar environments.
With humor, humility, and hard-earned wisdom, Elsa explores what it means to redefine success—and where true strength really comes from. Her story is a reminder that some of the toughest battles aren’t fought in the ring—and the biggest victories don’t come with medals.
Elsa is a former Mexican National Taekwondo Team member, bringing the discipline and perseverance of her sport to life’s challenges. With years of experience leading HR and Operations teams, she has transformed workplace cultures, creating environments where people thrive. Her book, Repeat Offender, explores grief and resilience, while her column in La Jornada Morelos reflects on the immigrant experience and the healing power of laughter. Through her Instagram, Elsa shares relatable struggles with humor, inspiring others to embrace change and rewrite their own stories. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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