RODRIGO CONDE, 1997, SPAIN
Silver medal in the men's double sculls at the World Rowing Championships 2022
Silver medal in the men's double sculls at the I Rowing World Cup 2023, silver medal at the European Rowing Championships 2022.
What is the main trait of your character?
I would say self-demand and determination. When something is on my mind, I go for it at 200%.
Has it influenced your sports career?
I would say that it is my greatest virtue when competing and training, which has made me what I am in the world of rowing.
What virtue do you wish you had?
Being more orderly in my day to day life and not having trouble following a routine, from time to time I find it hard to do.
A fun fact about you.
NS/NC.
Do you have a motto for life?
"No road of roses leads to glory."
Your second favorite sport.
Tennis or sumarin fishing.
Three athletes you admire.
Rafael Nadal, Fernando Alonso and Pau Gasol.
What is the sporting milestone you remember most?
When we were world runners-up or when we won the Henley Royal Regatta!
How did you become a fan of your sport?
When I was little I practiced many sports and one day my best friend at that time told me to try a sport that I didn't even know, which was rowing. From the first day I became a fan and I've been doing it ever since.
Who helped you the most to achieve your sports dream?
I could not say just one person. In such a long way as this I have been fortunate to have great support by my side, from my family, to coaches and colleagues, etc.
Your greatest achievement?
I would say that my greatest achievement is not any medal, but to motivate other young rowers to push themselves 100% to achieve their dreams. That those kids come up to you to ask for a photo, or a congratulations for the birthday of a teammate, that they ask you for advice... that's worth gold! Undoubtedly that is my greatest achievement.
And your worst failure?
When I had to abandon the Tokyo 2020 Games because of the one-year postponement due to covid, as it was impossible for me to maintain the lightweight anymore.
What has the sport taught you for life?
That everything worthwhile has a price to pay first, and that if you don't keep moving forward you go backwards, are things that apply in any aspect of life.
How would you like fans to remember you?
As a rower who was part of the group that changed the course of Spanish rowing towards a great future by transmitting his motivation and confidence to the rest of the team.
What is the biggest challenge in your sport?
Surviving the winter, and not because of the cold, but because of the type of training that is done until almost March. Since September the training is focused on training days of many hours of continuous rowing at low intensity, which becomes very boring.
What is the most important aspect of any training?
Put 100% concentration on what you are doing at that moment, do not think about the after or before, to get the most out of it the focus has to be in the present.
Do you have any rituals or hobbies before a competition?
No, I'm a pretty quiet guy in that sense, I just like to be away from the rest of the team, to be more focused on my teammate and the coach. Let's say I'm not very sociable during the championship.
What role has your upbringing played in your sports career?
I started training when I was only 8 years old, really a big part of my education is thanks to sport, a lot of values and experiences that you live throughout the years that are what form you as a person.
And what role has sport played in your education?
Well, it is linked to the previous question, it has played a very important role.
A tip for the younger ones.
That they never stop pursuing their dreams no matter how much people tell them that it is impossible or that they are not going to achieve it, that they put the focus on their dream and work 200% to achieve it because when people tell you that you cannot achieve something they are talking about their own limitations, not yours.