Behind every champion there is a great teacher

By: Idaira Prieto

The importance of the figure of the coach in sports has always been discussed. A figure that leads you in your career, someone you can count on, who you trust fully ... Forging a strong athlete-coach union makes everything go smoothly.

In my case, I could not conceive my athletic life without the figure of my coach. Behind the successes, and of course, also the defeats of Idaira Prieto (or as many people know me, "The daughter of Antonio Prieto") we can find him, who is not only my coach but also is my dad.

Every race, every sporting experience that crosses my mind is always matched by a memroy with him. The most emotional moment I remember was 3 years ago, when I was encouraged to prepare the cross-country seriously. He saw me with great possibilities, something I was not entirely convinced, but his confidence and encouragement I managed to be part of the national team that went to compete at Hyères (France) in the European cross-country Championship. 

The preparatory races were tough: Atapuerca gave me confidence and motivation, nevertheless Alcobendas, that was the next race defeated me. Despite everything, at the end we where on the starting line of a European Championship, representing my country, a dream for any athlete. At that moment, many training sessions, many tears, joys, difficult moments went through my head ... but all those memories had in common a person: my coach. There was not a training session, a competition or any other sporting moment in which he was not supporting me and struggling with me to achieve a shared dream. And of course, there he was, supporting his athlete in this new experience. 

When I reached the finish line after the race, I was very excited, it was a tough race but when I realized where I was... I have no words to describe how incredible the experience was. When I saw him in the finish line I ran towards him  despite the pain in my legs, and we both merged in a strong hug. We had achieved our objective it and we could not be happier.

My father has taught me to be an athlete, he has allowed me to fight for what I believe in, I know that whatever happens he will be supporting me. He will be there to get up when I fall and to keep my feet on the ground when everything goes all right.

Pride, admiration, trust and gratitude are the words that define what I feel towards my coach. Maybe, this is the secret of the great champions, apart from talent and work, to have a connection and full confidence with that person that even if it rains, snows, it is holiday or he have to work he will beon the track day after day making your dreams come true. A person who is already part of you and often knows you better than yourself. That is a great coach.

When I was given the opportunity to write a few words about athletics, I saw an  opportunity to thank the person who has worked with me to get where Ia am now and has taught me to love this sport.

Thanks Dad. Thanks coach.