Alberto AvilaParalympic athlete and content creator, is known for his outstanding career in athletics and his innovative audiovisual project The Lame of Interviews. His dedication to the sport and his mission to break stereotypes about disability have made him an inspiring figure, both on and off the court. VLP Sports and Iberia Express produce the series of interviews directed by Alberto, in which the entertainmentdissemination, awareness and, above all, overcoming they structure each episode.
What motivated you to start athletics? How did you make this decision and how has your evolution been in this sport?What motivated me to play sports, specifically athletics, was speed. I have always loved running because it makes me feel free and helps me escape from everyday problems. Initially, I dreamed of being a professional footballer, but due to my disability and the use of crutches, I decided to dedicate myself to athletics, where I found my true passion.
You have reached important milestones, such as being runner-up in Europe and fourth in the world. Which of all your achievements do you consider most significant and why?The most significant achievement for me was the World Cup in London in 2017, where I placed fifth in the world. It was my international debut with the senior Spanish team, and I have very special memories of that experience.
What inspired you to create the El Cojo de las Entrevistas series and what is the main message you want to convey to your audience?The series is a mix of my daily life: sports, disabilities and interviews. My main goal is to break all the stereotypes that exist around disability and show that there are no limits. I am very grateful to VLP Sports and Iberia Express, a brave brand that understood that entertainment is a powerful way to share an important message: that regardless of the supposed limitations, we have to break stereotypes and improve ourselves. I also want to highlight guests like Enrique Bernabéu, Audrey Pascual, Rubén Roldán and Marcelo Lusardi, who have made this experience unique and exciting.
In the series you have collaborated with various personalities in different cities. How has the experience been and which interview has had the most impact on you so far?Each city and each story has been unique, but Fuerteventura especially impacted me, especially because of the story of Audrey Pascual and the opportunity to try surfing, a sport that I had never practiced and that is now among my five favorites. It is also important to mention the support of the media and, above all, of people with disabilities who have sent messages of support to the project.
What kind of feedback have you received from your followers since the launch of The Lame of Interviews?The response has been overwhelming. Many people have congratulated me for the work done, and I want to thank VLP Sports and Iberia Express again for supporting this project. Both the athletes and the team behind the project are delighted with the impact and love we have received. The combination of humor and real stories is key to normalizing and leaving behind old stereotypes, such as that of the victim or the extreme of the superhero. In the end, we are all human.
How do you think projects like yours contribute to changing the perception of disability in society?What we want is to start the conversation. We should not see disability as taboo as it impacts 15% of society. Instead of burying our heads in the sand, let’s talk about it, celebrate diversity, and understand that some people may do things differently, but the result can be just as brilliant. This is my mission and the mission of VLP Sports: normalize disability.
You have worked with figures such as the musician Enrique Bernabeu and the surfer Audrey Pascual. How have these collaborations influenced your perspective on inclusion and diversity?These people not only normalize differences, they celebrate them. Enrique Bernabeu, for example, has faced significant challenges due to his sexual orientation and cerebral palsy, but he has managed to live a full life. These stories inspire millions because they show how people overcome difficulties and achieve their goals, highlighting that diversity is something that enriches everyone.
How much remains to be done in the area of disability visibility?I would say we are at 50% of our goal. There is still a lot to do, but projects like this and brave brands will lead the way towards normalization, proving that inclusion is the way forward.
Your career is a story of effort and struggle. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your sports career and as a content creator?The biggest challenge has been maintaining creativity. Waking up every day with new ideas and the motivation to execute them is complicated. Consistency and passion are key to overcoming those moments when it seems like you have run out of inspiration.
What projects do you have in mind for the future, both in the sports field and in content creation?In the sporting field, my main objective is to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games and fight to give my best. In terms of creating content, I want to continue making disability visible, explore new formats and, eventually, venture into the world of acting.
What advice would you give to young people with disabilities who want to get started in high-performance sports?Dedicating yourself to high-performance sports is not achieved overnight. It is a process that requires perseverance, perseverance and sacrifice. The bad days, when you don’t even feel like getting up, are the ones that count the most. My advice is to never give up.
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