Wesley Vasquez

WESLEY VAZQUEZ

Destination: TOKYO

When did you realize that you wanted to take a shot at making an Olympic team?

I have been running since I was 6 years old. Seeing potential and athleticism in me, my father signed me up for youth track and field in Orocovis, Puerto Rico. By the time I was twelve I was good, and running became my passion.

Who has been the most influential person in your athletic development and why?

The most influential people in my athletic career, besides my family and coaches, are Alberto Juantorena and Javier Culson. Juantorena represented Cuba, and was the 1976 Montreal Olympic champion in the 400 meters and 800 meters. He is a hero for everyone in the Caribbean. I hope to accomplish the times of 44 seconds in the 400 meters and 1:43 in the 800 meters as Juantorena did in the 1970’s.

Javier Culson represented Puerto Rico in the 400 meter hurdles and won the silver medal at the 2012 Olympic games. He was the first Puerto Rican to win an Olympic medal in track and field. He now has a successful career in real estate. Culson inspired me to set and reach goals never achieved by other Puerto Rican athletes. He has advised me to have a life plan outside of sports, and to save money to secure my future.

What changed in your training to take you from an average athlete to a 2012, 2016, and 2021 Olympian?

I ran because I liked it and it was fun. I did not realize how good I was as a high schooler in Puerto Rico compared to the rest of the world. In 2012, after winning gold at the Central American and Caribbean Junior Games in El Salvador, I competed at the IAAF World Junior Championships without really understanding the magnitude of the successes. For me it was another meet until I finished 4th in the world and realized I have the potential to be among the best. Amazingly, four weeks after that, I competed in my first Olympic Games in London as an 18 year-old high school graduate. My high school personal best in the 800 meters was 1:45. Four years later, I made it to the finals at the 2016 Olympic Games. In 2019, I finished 5th at the IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar. Next month, I will have the honor of competing in my third Olympic Games in Tokyo.

How did the postponement of the 2020 Olympics affect you or help you?

The pandemic greatly impacted my training and development. Due to all of the interruptions in my training in 2020, I suffered a leg injury. The delay of the Olympics has given me the time to recover and get ready for Tokyo.

How have you handled adversity or setback in your athletic career and what was the process like?

I have been injured and have gotten back on my feet. I have a great team of coaches, physical therapists, and family who have assisted me in regaining my place among the top sprinters in the world.

What is your training routine in preparation for the Olympics?

Everything has changed in my training between the 2012 and 2016 Games, and this Olympic training cycle. Due to science, training methods, and an extremely knowledgeable coach, today my training sessions are not as exhausting and strenuous as in previous years. They are based on quality, not quantity, and proper recovery. I have been able to achieve great success as a result of the changes, for which I am grateful.

How do you prepare emotionally to train and compete?

I understand the responsibility of being an Olympian. I enjoy it, it is my job, and I am 100% committed to be the best I can be. I get

to represent my country, and be an inspiration to others. I know I have to give all I’ve got every single time.

What have you sacrificed to chase the Olympic dream?

The journey to become an Olympian has been great but it definitely has not been easy. I have sacrificed a lot, particularly time with my family.

What do you do to support yourself financially?

My family assists me; I receive a stipend from the Puerto Rican Olympic Committee; and I have several sponsors. I continue to study and prepare myself for the next chapter of my life when I hope to be in business for myself.

If you knew then what you know now, what would you have changed about your athletic career?

If I could change something about my athletic career it would be to dedicate more time to recovery, and to take care of my body from an early age in order to the prevent the injuries that have plagued my career. Also, I would spend more time working on my athletic maturity and development.

With limited meets taking place as a result of Covid-19, how are you approaching the year?

This year has been extremely challenging. I have had limited opportunities to train. Until March 2021, I was recovering from an injury, and then was sick with Covid-19. I remain committed to reach my goals in Tokyo. Training will be challenging, but I believe in myself.

How did becoming an Olympian change your life?

Becoming a 2-time Olympian has provided some financial stability, and also something money cannot buy – the love and appreciation of the people of Puerto Rico.

What are your interests and professional goals outside of track and field?

I would like to take advantage of the opportunities I have been given through the sport to assist other athletes in their journeys.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

Most people don’t know that I am a competitor in everything I do. I don’t quit and if I fail, I will get back up no matter how challenging it is.

Photo provided by Wesley Vazques