LUIS JOEL CASTRO

Destination: TOKYO

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

When I was twenty-one years old, I realized I may have what it takes to become an Olympian. From an early age, my parents preached the importance of healthy physical activity, which gave me the opportunity to experiment with many different sports. Those experiences helped me become the athlete I am today.

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

The most influential person in my athletic development is my coach, Carlos Acosta. He always inspires me to believe in myself. He holds very high expectations for me which have pushed me to the limit of my abilities. Carlos was the first Puerto Rican to clear 7’ in the high jump, and is now the high jump coach at University of Puerto Rico.

I started track and field at 17 years old, under the coaching of Pablo Joe Siari of Carolina Perchy in Puerto Rico. Carlos noticed me while I was a high school senior at Colegio Bautista in Carolina during a basketball game. Basketball was my first passion.

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

I have not made many changes to my training through the years. I became a 2016 Olympian because of the constant dedication, discipline, and perseverance to accomplish great things. From a young age, I had the vision to represent my country and be among the best in the world. My initial goal was to make it to the NBA, but I am thrilled to have found high jump as I have been able to represent Puerto Rico.

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

The delay of the 2020 Olympics allowed me time to heal from a very long 2018-19 season that ended in October at the World Championships in Doha. The pandemic allowed me to rest physically and mentally, and have time to rebuild my body through a proper conditioning phase.

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

I look at adversity in my athletic career as a learning experience, and never lost the faith that I would achieve my goals. Adversity is part of the process to achieve success.

What is your training routine in preparation for the Olympics?

My training routine has not changed much from what I did to become a 2016 Olympian and what I did to qualify for the 2012 Olympics. Our training system has proven successful.

How do you prepare emotionally to train and compete?

Although I do not have a specific routine to get emotionally ready for practices and competition, I always rely on a good playlist and a solid warm up.

What have you sacrificed to chase the Olympic dream?

I would not consider that becoming an Olympian is a sacrifice. I do what I am passionate about, and I am where I want to be, with people I love and respect. I have all I need, and I have no regrets.

What do you do to support yourself financially?

Track and Field is not a sport where athletes make a lot of money. I am fortunate to be able to earn a living as a professional athlete. I get appearance fees from meets I compete at; I have sponsors; I receive a stipend from the Puerto Rican Olympic Committee; and I am a high jump coach in Cologne, Germany where I live and train.

What are your interests and professional goals outside of high jump?

Outside of my athletic career, I would like to become a collegiate coach for a tier-1 university.

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

I would not change a thing. Everything I have done has gotten me to this point. I have fully enjoyed the journey and experiences and am excited to be weeks away from becoming a 2-time Olympian.

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

Unlike many other athletes throughout the world, I have not been affected by the fewer meets available at this level. I have had the opportunity to compete as often as we had planned.

How did becoming an Olympian change your life?

Becoming an Olympian in 2016 changed my life drastically. I am recognized by track and field fans, which affords me the opportunity to serve and inspire other athletes who are in their developmental stages.

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

Although people see me competing full of confidence on the world’s greatest stages, I deal with insecurities and doubts just like everyone else.

Photos provided by Luis Joel Castro.