Álex Roca

At the tender age of six months, Álex Roca (Barcelona, 1991) was diagnosed with herpes simplex encephalitis which caused cerebral palsy. Doctors said he would not survive but he did. They also said he would never walk —he has a 76% physical disability— but today, three decades since that prophecy, he has finished two marathons, five triathlons, one Titan Desert and one Pilgrim Race, among other challenges. An incredible story of overcoming which is largely thanks to his grandfather’s perseverance. “When I was told I would never walk—he reminisces—, he pushed me to try and every afternoon he fought for me to take my first step, taking my hand but, above all, trusting me. Trust is essential to change the world.” Over time, sport has turned into the best ally for Álex who doesn’t just overcome barriers, he literally knocks them down leaving his many supporters gobsmacked. “I’d like society to see me as someone who is pushing for change and one of my goals is to put an end to prejudice. Meanwhile, we need to see it as something to rise up against and encourage our abilities,” he declares. During our chat, we listen to the voice of her wife, Mari Carme Maza, the person in charge of interpreting Álex’s extremely personal sign language, as well as his natural and authentic character.

Every time you overcome one of your challenges, which is the message you want to convey to the world?
My goal is to raise awareness of people with disabilities and campaign for their abilities. Also, to highlight the importance of including all sorts of people, not only disabled people, in society. Sport is my means of conveying this message, which transcends this field because I want to have an impact on more areas of society. I’d like to change certain thoughts and put an end to prejudice, contribute to a more inclusive and equal society and encourage respect toward people with disabilities.

Just on Instagram you have almost 800,000 followers. Why do you think your message touches so many people?
I struggle to answer this question because I’m a humble person, but what I try to do is tell my story in a natural way. That is, explain who I am and never pretend to be what I’m not. I share my experiences to have an impact on upcoming generations, so that no one has to be excluded again, so that no one receives negative comments again and, above all, so that anyone who has a goal, a dream, gives it a try. Falling down, picking ourselves up again and carrying on, listening only to positive messages, those that encourage inclusion and acceptance.

You have become a role model for thousands of people but, who have been yours and why?
First, I would mention one of the most important people in my life, my grandfather. My main role model. Another, because of his positivity, was Ronaldinho. When he got kicked, he’d smile and his way of facing adversity made having a sense of humour key for me. I’d also mention Rafa Nadal for his desire to improve and his mental strength. And I want to mention Alexia Putellas, who has broken down barriers with her club and the Spanish national team, because women are also great role models.

“Accessibility is a goal that Iberia and I share. That’s why I’ve joined them, so that anyone in the world can travel”

You work with Iberia to improve accessibility. Why is taking care of this essential for people with disabilities?
It’s very simple. If a disabled person wants to travel to another city and can only do so by plane, why should they face difficulties? Why not have the same opportunities as everyone else? Accessibility is a goal that Iberia and I share. That’s why I’ve joined them, so that anyone in the world can travel. The main thing is to make things easy because a trip should make you feel happy, not fearful, anxious, or different. We should cover all angles so that nobody is afraid of anything.

Álex Roca has completed two marathons, five triathlons, and a Titan Desert, among other challenges. © Courtesy of Jambo Sports Marketing

Throughout your life, one of your biggest challenges has been to work on your self-esteem. What role has mental health played in that process?
It’s been key. And knowing how to ask for help. I still currently see my therapist; I’ve even increased my sessions because it’s very important to take care of your mental health. Lots of sports challenges are coming up for me and I prepare for them both physically and psychologically. But I don’t work on my mental health just for sports, but also to better process moments in my day-to-day life.

“I’m exhausted. Now’s the time to use my head to try to reach the finish line,” you published on social media during the 33^rd km of the Marathon for All in Paris. Is mental strength just as relevant as physical strength?
Even more so. Obviously, your body needs to be prepared, but your mind is always key. I’d say that, in a marathon, your head is 70% of the race because you can train a lot physically, but it’s your mind that makes a difference when you’re down; you have to trust that you can do it. Mental strength also important in our everyday life.

You always highlight the importance of the team around you. Are your experiences more rewarding in good company?
I always try to complement and surround myself with other people. During challenges, we determine roles, so that each of us plays our part. If someone wants to meet a goal alone, they won’t achieve it. Since the moment we are born we need others on our side, to grow, learn, evolve... Life is better together.

“Talent is doing things with love, to feel them as much as possible and to give your all (...) Let’s give each person a role where their abilities can develop”

What challenges do you have in mind in 2025? Can you give us a hint?
First, to fight alongside Iberia to improve inclusion and accessibility, so that everyone feels the same when travelling. I love flying with Iberia and hopefully we can reach new destinations this year. Some day we could consider travelling around the world together! It’d be fun to show what travelling means to me. In terms of sports, I have several running and cycling races in my calendar. We’ll slowly reveal more as we go.

Finally, tell us what talent is for you.
Talent is doing things with love, to feel them as much as possible and to give your all. At school there were two types of people, those who were brilliant but didn’t work hard and those who weren’t so clever but put in more effort; they worked step by step, beavering away, until they achieved their goal. There are many kinds of talent, that’s why we shouldn’t judge. There’s a quote attributed to Einstein that says, “if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” Let’s give each person a role where their abilities can develop.