Spanish canoeist Cayetano García is emphatic in expressing his ambition for success. Along with his partner, Pablo Martínez, they aim to secure a medal at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games in the C-2 500 meters modality. This ambition is not unfounded. Their previous achievements give them a strong foundation. However, their immediate focus and single-minded determination are geared towards securing their position in the national selection.
“For now, our primary goal is to qualify for the April 10 event and secure our spot within the country. This is the only thing we are focusing on at the moment, race by race,” says Cayetano García in an interview with Europa Press, following his receipt of the ‘Prize Admiral’.
García, an Andalusian, recalls that the pair’s “worst result” in major competitions “has been a ‘top 4’.” With such a track record, it is not surprising that they are aiming for a medal in Paris. “We have already proven ourselves as world champions and we know that we have the potential to be number one. Our focus is on training to be the best,” asserts García, who, alongside Martínez, won the world gold in 2022 and bronze last year. They also participated in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where they secured the eighth position in the long-distance event.
For García, this Olympic year is of significant importance. “Above all, we need to manage our mental outlook better than anyone else, remain calm and focus on our daily tasks. We are ambitious and we are well aware of our objectives,” he says.
“Both Pablo (Martínez) and I are focusing on securing our position. Once we achieve that, I will be able to visualize our path ahead more clearly. I am confident that if everything proceeds well, we will receive immense support from our fans as the event approaches,” admits García.
The 22-year-old Spanish athlete considers their discipline (C2 500) as highly competitive. “We are confident that if we can reach our maximum potential, we will not be concerned about others. Our focus will be on our race and our path,” he points out.
García celebrates the current successful phase of canoeing and acknowledges that “having such good role models” helps them to “set their sights” on maintaining the high standards for “many years to come”. “We also bring a youthful energy, a desire, a motivation to this wonderful group that we are part of. I believe that despite their years of experience, they still possess these qualities. Seeing our enthusiasm, I am sure, reminds them of why they started this journey,” he says, referring to figures such as Saúl Craviotto, Teresa Portela, and Marcus Cooper.
