When many of us look back and remember 1992, with its pluses and minuses, and ignoring the personal circumstances of each one, surely almost all of us will think of that binge of great historical events in our country: the Olympics of Barcelona, the Seville Expo, the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America... But for the protagonist of our story, that 9 and that 2 have a special relevance.
August 20, a random Thursday in the middle of summer that should have been just another day, suddenly became the turning point for our protagonist. An instant, just a few seconds, a motorcycle accident, radically changed his life as he had known it until that moment. Result: the loss of an arm and a leg.
After a long and hard period of adaptation, and with a few extra kilos, two circumstances presented themselves to him that would mark his future: watching the Paralympics during his stay in the hospital, and the encouragement of a good friend. Several years Later, effort and perseverance would take him to the World Cup and the Olympics. But above all, to be one of the great references of adapted sports in our country. With you, the great Juanjo Mendez.
"Never give up. And don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do.”
Who is Juanjo Méndez, and where did he come from?
Paralympic athlete. Born in the Gracia neighborhood of Barcelona on March 27, 1964. I come from a working family and in addition, we are 5 children and all of us are men. You can imagine the chaos in my house!
When did the bug bite you? cycling?
The bug appeared when I was 12 thanks to my father. He told me many stories, since he had a cycling team, Gracient. I was so curious that he bought me a bicycle and I started pedaling with him on weekends. At the age of 14, as a cadet, I joined my first cycling team, Vicardi.
What does the year 1992 represent for you? What happened?
August 20 of that same year was the day he decided to completely change my life and luckily he forgot one thing, I had been married to my wife for a year and here we are still. I remember that in the hospital bed I found out that people with disabilities could practice sports, since I saw the Barcelona Paralympic Games live. At that moment I was unable to think that I could play sports. Until the day came when together with Bernat we decided to try to change that thought.
After something like this happens, are priorities redefined? What is really important in life since then for you?
I would define the beginning as learning everything again. In my case, I remember things that I didn't give importance to, and when something happens to you is when you really start to give them the value they deserve. The simplest things; go to the bar, go out with friends, run...
For example, when I was able to ride a bicycle again, it was amazing for me... I didn't think I could and it was an incredible feeling that I couldn't describe in words. And then, from the age of 7 I rode horses. Riding again was a real pleasure, I really like spending time with the horse, since I disconnect by taking walks in the mountains. They give me peace of mind and well-being.
Juanjo, in his beginningsAccording to the RAE, genesis is the origin or beginning of something. What does that word represent to you?
For me, Genesis is the beginning as the word says. It's starting over. I could define it as a new chapter of my life. Furthermore, when we decided on the name we loved it because of the meaning, but also because in any language it is written the same way. We decided to found it in 2002, since the main reason was that many people asked us for help, and the idea arose in order to be able to help people who found themselves like us at the beginning. For us, sports came later.
And what does the figure of Bernat Moreno play in all this?
Friend, coach, more than a brother, we are always together. Without Bernat Moreno I would never have gotten on a bicycle again in my life. It has been, is and will be the engine of Genesis. I have always been the public image, but people have to know that behind this image there are incredible people who make everything we have achieved possible.
Do you play any other role in the foundation besides competing?
I work as a mechanic at the club, I help the children we have; juniors, cadets, sub23 and children with disabilities. Furthermore, I am the president of the club.
Looking back, as a result of the accident you have had a thousand experiences, participated in World Cups and Olympics, seen the world and met incredible people. Still, if you could, would you trade all this for that missing arm and leg?
And so much. I give it all to you right now and you give me back the arm and the leg. I would rather have it all than victories; Even if I have won awards, met people, places... I would choose my body.
In a nutshell:
– A dish: macaroni
– A place: Barcelona
– A cyclist: Eddy Merckx
– A movie: Unforgiven
– A song: September- Earth, Wind & Fire
– A lesson from life: Life is very beautiful
Say goodbye however you want.
Many thanks to Essax. It has been a pleasure to be able to chat with you and get to know me a little better. Thank you for being by our side. Obviously a hug to my family, Bernat and everyone Genesis Cycling Team. Let's go to hell.
