Known in the sporting world as Javito, at 30 he is a man with two sides: by morning a local police officer and by afternoon an elite athlete who has managed to crown himself as the world’s best duathlete.
How did you get hooked on sport?
I used to play basketball with my father, who was a coach. I ran a lot on the court, and although I wasn’t bad, my technique wasn’t the best… and I was also very short. I began balancing it with going with my parents to local races. I tried athletics, but since my parents warned that running alone could be very punishing, I moved into the world of duathlon and triathlon.
What did it mean for you to become a world champion?
The great reward after so many years of sacrifices, early mornings, giving up weekends or holidays with friends.
Does having a job limit your options when competing?
I am a Municipal Police officer in Madrid, and it’s true that it can take away, above all, rest hours, which are so important for elite sport; but on the mental side, it’s a major positive boost for me, the peace of mind that comes from knowing my life doesn’t depend on a sporting result.
Many Sport Life readers might wonder, if you’re so good at duathlon, why not try triathlon too, where there’s more money and recognition?
I tried it and tried, but I couldn’t reach the water level to be truly competitive. I finished university, the time came to look for a job, and duathlon simplified things and could fit into my new life.
Now I’m balancing it with athletics, competing on the track and I’ve just debuted in the half marathon
What is a day in your life like?
I work in the Road Safety Education section of the Madrid Municipal Police. I start at 7 a.m. and I visit schools, which is something I love. I finish at 3, and then begins what I call a time trial to train as much as possible.
My parents help me, they already have my meals prepared, and as soon as I finish I head out to do whatever I have to
How much training do you accumulate to stand up to the world’s best duathletes?
In the latest period I’ve been more focused on preparing my debut in the half marathon, which was in Valencia, and I’ve managed to rack up 155 km in a week, which is crazy for me. In this period I’ve barely touched the bike. On the other hand, when I’m focused on my duathlon season I can run 100 km, about 8 hours of cycling per week, and a couple of days in the gym.
You were among the first in Spain to try the impressive Skechers Aero Elite. What are your impressions?
It’s a big leap compared to earlier models. I’m not going to talk about how light they are, because the scale says it all: 160 grams in my size. Undoubtedly, a partner to help you break your marks with its full-length carbon plate and a midsole that is incredibly reactive, and it combines with geometry that favors that quick forward transition.
They’re shoes that, as you run, keep telling you to go faster!
