Becoming an Olympic or Paralympic athlete is not easy. Athletes from all over the world have to train hard and overcome many obstacles. Maintaining physical condition is an important factor for every person to continue competing for 10 years. Today, Vogue will take you to get to know Susana Rodríguez Gacio A talented paratriathlete who never gives up on failure. Moreover, apart from her life as an athlete, she is also an important personnel during the COVID-19 crisis.
Atmosphere while Susana Rodríguez competes in a paratriathlon / Photo: Olympic Games
Susana is a young girl from Spain who was born on March 4, 1988. She is currently 33 years old. She was born with “Albinism” or “albism” caused by abnormalities in the pigment in the skin, hair and eyes. great impact on life. This is because albinism limits vision to very little. Susana only saw 5 percent in one eye and 8 percent in the other. This level of vision is considered to be at the level of blindness. This means that this Spanish girl has had to live with darkness since birth.
Susana Rodríguez (right) takes off in the 2020 Paralympic Games Paratriathlon / Photo: Olympic Games
This young Spanish athlete started playing track and field at the age of 10, without giving up her studies. She is committed to both areas to the best of her ability. In terms of sports, he trained hard with coaches from the Spanish Blind Association (ONCE) and has been competing at youth level ever since. It can be said that this little boy never gave up on fate and always strived to create great power for himself. Sport is a fulfilling thing in life that makes it feel meaningful. Although the body is not perfect, it can still do amazing things.
Susana Rodríguez (right) runs the final leg of the Paratriathlon of the 2020 Paralympic Games / Photo: Japan Times
In academics, Susana is as elite as in sports. Because she has a graduate degree in medicine. in Physical Therapy at the University of Santiago de Compostela Imagine how difficult it would be for an average person to study medicine. And she is almost completely visually impaired. This meant that Susana had to push herself beyond all limits until she could become a serious medical student. During the same period, he continued to compete in athletics. The path of the dream is about to happen when the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China come.
Susana Rodríguez (right) riding a bike in the Paratriathlon competition at the 2016 Paralympic Games / Photo: Olympic Games
The dream I had drawn in my imagination since childhood was shattered by a simple but very painful statement: ‘She didn’t make the team’ disappointingly after competing in her first Paralympic Games She turned her back on athletics almost immediately and pursue a career as a doctor. Including a full physical therapist. But then it was like the athlete’s blood was pumping so violently that she had to come back and practice something again. This time, she trained seriously for a triathlon by using her childhood sports skills of cycling, running, and swimming to develop until she had the potential to compete in national competitions. And just 2 years after turning her focus to the triathlon world, Susana won the World Championships in 2012 before continuing to improve and competed in her first Paralympic Games in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she crossed the finish line coming 5th in the PT5 triathlon category.
The role of Susana Rodríguez as a doctor / Photo: UG
The athlete’s career seemed to be picking up again after a huge disappointment in 2008. Later, she continued to compete in paratriathlon and was always a favorite for big events. Susana won the world title again in 2018 and her defence. For another time in 2019, a place for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo is definitely guaranteed. But an unexpected event happened. When the virus COVID-19 It has spread across the world causing the biggest sporting events to be postponed. And Susana is set to take on a key role as Spain’s frontline worker.
Susana Rodríguez on the cover of the July 2021 issue of TIME magazine / Photo: TIME
The early to mid 2020s were considered a period of serious crisis for European countries. This is because the number of infected people is skyrocketing and the number of medical personnel is limited. Although he is blind and specializes in physical therapy. But Susana is one of the frontline workers helping the people of Spain get whatever relief they can. These two talents together make Susana stand out to the point where she has been on the cover of TIME magazine.
The moment Susana Rodríguez sprints to the finish line to win the Paratriathlon gold medal at the 2020 Paralympic Games / Photo: Digis Mak
Although facing a global crisis But even in bad things there are good things hidden. Because when the 2020 Paralympic Games had to be postponed to 2021 instead, it gave Susana time to take a break from her medical work to fully train and prepare to compete in the Paratriathlon battle on the biggest competition stage. He revealed to the Tokyo 2020 team, “Since childhood, I have known that I have a physical disability. So, I want to take part in the Paralympics.” Participating in the Paralympic Games for the second time, he set his goals higher than last time (5th place), this time he also gained the status of a 1,500 meter runner. that this Spanish doctor is the favorite of the two shows.
Proud moment after victory / Photo: Chalk and Doodle
And on August 28, 2021, the moment that dream came true happened. Susana, together with Sara Loehr, her guide, crossed the finish line in 1st place, winning the Paratriathlon Gold Medal in the PTVI category (Paratriathlon Visual Impairment). Able to achieve what she had hoped for since her childhood in Odaiba Park, this memorable moment was recorded in the history of the Paralympic Games. And Susana’s story was published as inspiration on all platforms from the 2020 Paralympic Games. She also had the chance to win a medal in the 1,500 track event, where she finished second in the qualifying round, but in the end, ran to the finish line in 5th, unfortunately missing out on a medal.
Susana Rodríguez receives her first Paralympic gold medal / Photo: Yna24
The gold medal is a symbol of greatness that reflects Susana’s endless efforts. She has managed to overcome all limits, physically and mentally. Moreover, people around the world do not remember her only as an athlete or an athlete. Because she is an important frontline worker who is part of helping Spain overcome the COVID-19 crisis. She shows that the body is only one part that gets in the way of living a meaningful life. We believe that everyone has their own power. You may not have to be so talented that you win a medal. Or go to medical school like Susana But everyone can be what they want to be on the path they choose to walk. And this is the best triathlete doctor who created another chapter of history at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, “Susana Rodriguez Casio”
information:
olympic games.com
paralympic.org
time.com
tokyo2020 (Instagram)
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