David Cantero (Aldaya, 2003) ended last year like so many others, running the San Silvestre Vallecana. New Year’s Eve passed in a town in Toledo with his family and, as he was close, he had decided to sign up with his partner. «I do not prepare it specifically … Not anything, but I like to run and give it a good spark, ”he says naturally. The result was a ninth absolute position, national fourth and first sub-23 with a personal brand in a 10K: 28:53. This is how the boy who comes to revolutionize the withered Spanish triathlon, to which the farewells of referents such as Javier Gómez Noya, Mario Mola, Iván Raña and Fernando Alarza, is spent.
«What they did was from another world, but you have to dream big. Why not win World Cups like them? ”He says with ambition. In that task it is. Last year he left his firm in Torremolinos by achieving world gold in the U-23 category. And a year earlier, being a Pipiolo, he won in the World Cup in Valencia, which considers his most special victory. «I was the fourth I did and, in addition, in my house, with my family and friends. The previous month I had trained in Sierra Nevada and told my coach: ‘Fuck, I am superb. I think I can do a podium. ‘ And I won. It was movie ».
Triathlon has always been breathed at Cantero’s house. His father, his mother, his brother … everyone practices it. He stood out immediately, so his next destination was the Cheste Technification Center. For a time he combined triathlon training with more specific to athletics, and the result was surprising again. In 2021 it was proclaimed runner-up of U-20 Europe of 5,000 meters. In his body there are traces of great fondista, but he had to choose. «I think that athletics would have been good for me, but in my distances I would have to fight against the entire African continent. And in triathlon I see myself fighting for a world championship ». The results have been right.
Cantero trains between four and six hours a day, making three sessions (swimming, cycling and race) almost every day. He has paused his studies in Physical Education to devote himself fully to sport. «It demands many hours of training, perseverance and determination. It is a life of sacrifices, ”he says. He works with the same psychologist since the age of 12, which has been key to managing pressure and improving his mental performance.
If there is something that defines Cantero is your engine in the race on foot. Its weak point has always been swimming, but has fought every stroke to reduce differences. His life is calculated to the millimeter: it does not go to party, it does not drink alcohol, avoid unnecessary trips. Everything is designed to perform. «I live with my partner, who is also a athlete. We have everything organized to train and rest as well as possible ». Pure discipline.
By 2025, its objective is to consolidate in the World Triathlon series, competition that premiered season last weekend in Abu Dhabi (it was ninth) and in which it is measured with all the greats. He wants to go step by step, without shortcuts. Recognize that the 2028 Los Angeles Games are the big goal, but up to there. «I prefer to focus on the present. Everything that achieves in the future will depend on my performance now ».
David Cantero advances without hesitation or ornaments. He knows that triathlon is a ruthless sport, that there is no room for mediocrity, so he only has one wish: «The most difficult moments are injuries, not being able to train well with competitions involved. If that aspect is going well, the rest does not worry me.
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