10-Question Interview with Daniel Andújar, Olympic Athlete:

Daniel, an athlete from Alicante, has achieved the minimum qualifying mark in the 800m and will be part of the Spanish team at the Games.

- "Daniel Andújar, first, tell us about yourself."

1.- Where were you born, age, studies/profession?
Daniel Andújar Ponce, I was born on May 14, 1994, in San Vicente del Raspeig. I am 22 years old and currently studying my 3rd year of CAFD at the University of Alicante.

2.- What was your first reaction when you found out you were going to Rio?
It was an incredible moment, filled with immense happiness for me and my loved ones.

3.- Did you dream of going to the Olympics as a child?
Yes, ever since I was very young. It's every athlete's dream, and one that only a few can achieve.

4.- Who would you highlight as your mentors?
My coach, Llorenç Solbes. He has guided me on the best path, and I would highlight these three values that give meaning to our training group CET: Commitment, Effort, and Work.

5.- What is David Andújar's goal?
My goal is to be able to dedicate myself to this, to make athletics my profession, to continue working with humility and see how far it can take me, always enjoying this wonderful sport.

6.- What is running to you?
It's my way of life. There's recreational running for a healthy life and the other, which is high performance, you and your limits.

7.- Why this sport?
Since I was a child, my physical education teacher at school saw potential in me, and it all started as a game at my town's athletics club (C.A. San Vicente del Raspeig).

8.- What do you think about the running craze, do you see it as a passing fad?
I think it's a great thing, and what's more, I believe that if many people dared to go out and run simply to feel good about themselves, their quality of life would improve.

Because running to feel good gives you more energy, it gives you life. And if you do it with a group, even better, like the URBAN RUNNING family, highly recommended for all runners. I believe the "running craze" will not decline; in my opinion, it can only grow.

- "Tell us about your relationship with Urban Running and the Esteso Brothers."

9.- How and when did you meet them? What have they given you? Do you have the soul of an Urban Runner?
I've known them for many years, they haven't known me as long... (laughs). When I was in the children's category, Juan Carlos presented me with the trophy for a provincial children's cross-country race held in Elche. I have a very good relationship with them; they were two great middle-distance athletes and role models for younger category athletes.

10.- What recommendations would you give to those who are following in your footsteps, who want to shine in this discipline?
My advice is to enjoy it, enjoy the journey, don't get obsessed with times. With good work and patience, everything will come.

Where do you see yourself in 3 years?

I don't even know about next year, so a lot can happen in three years, haha. But what I'm clear about is that I want to keep running with my CET teammates, giving our best. We will dream and fight for it, as we have done until now.

BeUrbanRunnig Editorial

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