Interview with Asier Martinez: "I sacrificed a lot, but it was worth it"

Asier Martínez (Pamplona, ​​​​​​​​2000) aimed to be a finalist in the Oregon World Cup and came out with a bronze medal around his neck. Reality, sometimes, surpasses the best dreams and fate gave the Spanish hurdler an option medal that he clings to with his Navarrese caste so that it does not escape him. The year’s top two were knocked out – Hansle Parchment injured in the warm-up and Devon Allen disqualified for a false start – and the final turned into a medal auction in which Asier proved to be the best bidder. I had to control my nerves, go out without fail, run more than ever and reach the medal. And he did. As they do in the never-to-be-missed television program, ‘El Conquistador del Caribe’ (survival reality show broadcast on ETB for 18 years and an audience phenomenon in the Basque Country and Navarra). For Asier, the best plan every Monday night is to have dinner with the family and get together to see ‘El Conquis’. In this program, the contestants have to face many battles where physical and mental are the key to win them. Some qualities that Asier possesses, simple, calm and very considerate, are perfect to successfully face this kind of challenge.

‘El Conquis’ is famous for being one of the toughest reality shows out there, do you see yourself participating one day?

Hahaha, no, no. It’s too much for me. I like the program and in my family we all watch, but the participants suffer a lot and there is also a part of the show where the presenter (Julian Iantzi) warms up the participants and I often talk.

Is it an easy word?

Yes, I am someone who likes to talk and socialize. I have a great time when I go out with my guys and we spend a lot of time talking about any topic.

Politics?

I studied Political Science in Bilbao, now I’m a bit stuck, but it’s a subject I like. I will not dedicate myself to being a politician because the current system is not working. Politics is not an effective instrument to change things. There are many social inequalities, evictions… In the end, the athlete is no stranger to these facts and I want to know to form my own opinion.

Do they also talk about athletics?

We talk about everything and about sports, we touch on the current football. Like everyone around me, I am a fan of Osasuna and follow the team.

He looks like a normal person…

I am. I have the same hobbies as any young person from Iruña my age and, in my case, they help me disconnect and perform better on the track. I like to listen to music, especially French rap and drill. I also usually read and go out with my crew for drinks on Calle Navarrería.

But I think you have to deny yourself a lot of things

Of course. This is the bad part of being an athlete. Without walking further, a few days ago I missed Sanfermines, which I love.

Do you dare to run a bull run?

No, it’s not possible. When you see them on television, they seem like one thing, but in life, things change a lot.

After waiting three years without being able to celebrate them due to the pandemic, it must be difficult not to enjoy them again this year…

That is difficult, but it is clear to me that I want to go to this World Cup in the best possible way and in my case they are completely incompatible.

And he endured…

And don’t think it’s easy. Through my crew’s Whats App group or through social networks, I can’t stop seeing messages and pictures of the environment and what my friends are doing. In those moments when you find yourself at a lower moral level, when you see all that you wonder if the sacrifice you are making is worth it.

And is it worth it?

Well, in the end it was my choice and I had my whole life to enjoy the party. You struggle with certain dates, but later, the rest of the year you are very happy. I made a lot of sacrifices to get here, but it was worth it.

And is there any other sacrifice that requires great effort?

Yes, eat. Maintaining a diet is important to perform well and together with my nutritionist we maintain very strict guidelines. I am a good eater, this is something I am passionate about. One of the things I do every day is putting on cooking shows on TV. I put on ‘Card Game’ or ‘The Tupperware Club’ and imagine myself savoring those foods while eating cheap rice with chicken. I could spend hours looking at dishes and recipes.

And what is the recipe for its success?

Having a great coach like François Beoringyan, who I trained with all my life in Iruña and knows how to get the best out of me. There are many factors that influence performance and what is also very important is the psychological aspect and social well-being. For me it is mainly to be in Navarra in my environment and in a place where I feel very comfortable.

Don’t you want to try CAR in Madrid or Sant Cugat?

I’m sure you live very comfortably there, but what I need is my house, my city and my people. At Larrabide I have everything I need. I have a good track that will be good for me and I will continue like this to face my next challenges.