MADRID, 18 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Spanish triathlete Dani Molina admits that “it has been very special” to return to the Paralympic Games and that the gold medal he won in the PTS3 class a few weeks ago in Paris “is the greatest thing” he has achieved, while making it clear that, although he is aware that he will be 53 years old by Los Angeles 2028, he will be able to make it to the event “without any problem” if he continues training and taking care of himself as he does currently.
“Returning to the Games after 20 years has been very special and, above all, very different from Athens 2004. The Games have evolved considerably in terms of visibility, largely thanks to the impact that social media has today. We have seen that they have had an impressive global following and impact,” said Dani Molina in an interview provided by ‘Nara Seguros’.
The five-time world champion has no doubt that, “without a doubt”, the gold medal won in Paris 2024 “is the greatest thing” he has achieved in his career. “Winning the Paralympic Games goes far beyond what a world title represents, because of everything that it entails. The level of preparation is very high and there is always a high level, getting this medal is a true dream come true,” he stresses.
In this sense, he says that he has handled “the pressure very well, thanks in part to the experience and preparation” that he has carried out “in recent years, especially this season.” “We have focused on very specific training designed for Paris and I have memorized the cycling circuit in detail,” he said.
“In fact, on many occasions, while I was training on the roller, I closed my eyes and visualised the route over and over again. All that meticulous work has allowed me to arrive in the best possible shape,” adds the Madrid native, referring to the segment where he is weakest.
Now, “in the short term,” he is “totally” focused on the European Championships next Sunday, where he will seek his seventh title. “Also on the World Championships on October 18, which will be special for me, since I will be competing at home. Going back to racing in a World Championships in my country after the Paris Games is very exciting,” he confesses.
“In the long term, my goal is to continue competing at the highest level, and why not fight to be in Los Angeles 2028? I am aware that I will be 53 years old, but I believe that if I continue training and taking care of myself as I am doing, I will be able to make it without any problem. Motivation also plays a key role, since sometimes the seasons can be very long,” warns Molina.
The triathlete thanks ‘Nara Seguros’ and “each and every one” of his sponsors “for all their support” and also his family and friends for supporting him and encouraging him “to keep working every day.” “And, above all, my coach, for teaching me everything I know today and making me a better triathlete every day,” he says.
The insurer stresses that the Paralympic champion “is a true example of self-improvement and dedication.” “His ability to always give his best has led him to fulfill a true dream. His career is a source of pride and inspiration for all of us,” it stresses.