From “Am I Going to Die?” to “National Queen”: Valencian Athlete Defies Crohn’s Disease

VALENCIA, SPAIN – In a story of remarkable resilience, Clara Martínez-Polo, a 31-year-old from Valencia, Spain, is captivating millions online with her incredible calisthenics feats – all while living with Crohn’s disease, a chronic autoimmune condition. Her journey, from a terrifying initial diagnosis to becoming a beacon of strength and inspiration, is a testament to the power of the human spirit and a reminder that limitations are often self-imposed. This is breaking news that highlights not just individual triumph, but also a promising new approach to early Crohn’s detection.

Clara Martínez-Polo demonstrates her strength and skill in calisthenics. (Image Credit: Clara Martínez-Polo/Instagram)

A Decade-Long Battle Begins in Paris

Martínez-Polo’s struggle began during her Erasmus scholarship in Paris ten years ago. What started as digestive discomfort and unexplained weight loss quickly escalated into debilitating gut aches. “You eat badly, you are more partying and, in my case, it caused me a lot of stress for the theme of housing,” she recalls. After over a year of visiting doctor after doctor, the diagnosis finally came: Crohn’s disease. While initially relieved it wasn’t cancer – a fear that had been looming – she immediately understood the lifelong commitment the condition demanded.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the lining of the digestive tract. It causes inflammation, pain, fatigue, and can lead to malnutrition. Unlike many chronic illnesses, there is currently no cure, requiring ongoing management and adaptation. The unpredictable nature of the disease, with periods of flare-ups and remission, presents a unique challenge for those living with it.

Turning Weakness into Weaponized Strength

Confined to a hospital bed, weak and emotionally drained, Martínez-Polo made a pivotal decision. Instead of succumbing to despair, she resolved to get strong. “I was so weak that I decided to get strong,” she explains. Initially, her workouts were simple – squats and abdominal exercises. But as her strength grew, so did her ambition. She discovered calisthenics, a discipline utilizing bodyweight for strength, stability, and balance.

Martínez-Polo trains outdoors, challenging societal norms and inspiring others. (Image Credit: Clara Martínez-Polo/Instagram)

The pandemic further fueled her dedication. Confined during lockdown, she increased her training to one or two hours daily. Her progress, documented on social media, quickly garnered a massive following. Today, she’s known as the “National Queen of Calisthenics,” a title earned through sheer determination and unwavering commitment.

Navigating the Challenges of Crohn’s and Calisthenics

Martínez-Polo’s journey isn’t without its hurdles. Crohn’s disease causes ulcers in her small intestine and ileum, leading to rapid weight loss and weakness during flare-ups. “In my case, because each person who has Crohn’s disease is different, I create ulcers…That makes you immediately lose kilos and weaken,” she explains. However, she strategically leverages the periods of remission to push her physical limits.

Beyond the physical challenges, Martínez-Polo is also breaking down barriers in the fitness world. She actively challenges the male-dominated spaces of outdoor calisthenics parks, encouraging other women to embrace these environments and prioritize their fitness without fear of judgment. “It is one of my challenges, work so that there are more girls, and also talk more about my illness,” she states.

A New Hope: Early Detection Project “Interp”

While Martínez-Polo’s story is one of individual triumph, a groundbreaking European project offers hope for earlier diagnosis and improved management of Crohn’s disease. The “Interp” project, funded by the European Commission with over €378 million over five years, aims to identify individuals at risk before the onset of severe symptoms.

Led by gastroenterologist Iago Rodriguez Lago, the project will analyze biobanks and recruit 10,000 first-degree relatives of Crohn’s patients aged 16-35. “There is a period in which we can take it on time, a window of five to ten years,” explains Rodriguez Lago. This proactive approach could significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Martínez-Polo’s story, coupled with initiatives like the Interp project, underscores a growing understanding of Crohn’s disease and a commitment to empowering those affected. Her book, ‘Your body, your strength’ (Ed. Oberon), is a testament to this, offering a training guide and a message of hope to anyone facing similar challenges.

Clara Martínez-Polo’s journey is a powerful reminder that even in the face of chronic illness, strength – both physical and mental – can be cultivated. Her story isn’t just about overcoming Crohn’s disease; it’s about redefining what’s possible and inspiring others to unlock their own potential. It’s a story that deserves to be shared, and a beacon of hope for the millions worldwide living with IBD.