August Athlete Spotlight - Meet Antonio Esparza

Meet this month’s Athlete Spotlight — Antonio Esparza! Antonio has embraced the mental and physical challenge, effort, discipline, and even the pain that comes with the sport. Over the years, Antonio has battled injuries, illness, and life’s many interruptions, but the pull to train and race has always brought him back. Above all, he strives to set an example for his kids, showing that heart, discipline, resilience, and love for what you do can drive you to give your very best. Check out the Q & A with Antonio:

Age: 54

Occupation: Self Employed

How long have you been swimming, cycling, running, and/or doing triathlons?

Just like almost every kid, I tried every sport i could find, from baseball, swimming, tennis to kung-fu. When I was 16 years old, I tool weight lifting and did it for many many years. Around 2001, while living in Cancun, my childhood friend called and asked if he and his wife could stay at my apartment for a few days as he was racing in a triathlon. I had no idea what that was but of course I said yes. To make the story short, going to see my friend race changed a lot in my life. For one, I stopped weight lifting, which at that point, it was taking me to a dark spot in my life. After watching that 1st triathlon, I bought my first bike and started riding, then I joined a local tri club in Cancun and everything else is history. 20+ Years later and her I am still crazy about the sport!

What aspects of training and/or racing do you enjoy most?

I love the mental and physical challenge, effort, discipline and pain…

In all these years, I’ve been in and out the sport many times due to injuries, illness, work and or just everyday day life situations. Throughout the years I have had many discouraging moments and felt I didn’t want to continue or re-start over again but I guess, as they say, once a triathlete… always a triathlete. Sooner or later the feeling and need to train and race again is stronger than anything else and every single time I’ve come back, obviously older (hope, wiser too) and not in shape, I love the feeling of my mind and body re-adapting.

What has been your favorite training or racing event, and why?

I’ve done plenty of Olympic distance triathlons, some full and half marathons but the best experience has been open water swim from Cancun to Isla Mujeres (approx. 4.5 miles) which I did twice…. Open water swim in the ocean is spectacular, especially in crystal clear waters.

What is your favorite post-workout or race meal?

Sushi or pasta.

What is one recent accomplishment you are proud of?

Being 54 years old and still be able to do what I like (sports wise) and be passionate about it, I have never participated in a 70.3 nor 140.6 and I am proud to say this coming October will be my 1st 70.3 and hope this is the 1st of many to come.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

With God’s blessing, I would like to be both mentally and physically sound and active for many many years to come so I can keep seeing my kids grow in every sense, become the best that they can be and help them fulfill their goals and dreams.

What is something no one knows about you?

If I say, then a lot of people will know… so, I’ll just continue keeping the secret… hahaha.

Why do you race/train?

Many people are born with a natural gift, some are musicians, composers, painters, sculptors, etc. In my case, even when I started in this sport late in my life, I feel I was born to grind, not necessarily to be the best but to give my best. I love teaching my kids by example and what better way to do it than in a sport that takes heart, discipline, resilience, dedication, courage, overcoming struggles, decision and love (if you don’t love what you do, you will never give it your best).

#athletespotlight #pursuitofexcellence #sufferfaster

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