Born: March 4, 1988 (Spain)
Biography:
Susana Rodríguez Gacio is a Spanish doctor, paratriathlete, and sprinter who has left an indelible mark on the world of sports and medicine. Born on March 4, 1988, Rodríguez has overcome numerous challenges to become a five-time world champion in paratriathlon and a Paralympic gold medalist in the same sport.
From a young age, Rodríguez faced the obstacles of albinism and a severe visual impairment, which limits her vision to less than 5% in one eye and 8% in the other, putting her in the legal blindness category. However, she refused to let her conditions define her and found solace in both sports and medicine. Since 1998, Rodríguez has honed her athletic skills under the guidance of a teacher from the National Organization of the Spanish Blind (ONCE) at the Pontevedra Technification Center. Initially, she participated in athletics competitions, but a setback in 2008 when she didn’t secure a spot in the Paralympic World Cup led her to switch to triathlon.
In 2009, Rodríguez pursued a degree in physiotherapy at Pontevedra Campus, furthering her knowledge in the field that would intersect with her passion for sports. In 2015, she graduated from the University of Santiago de Compostela with a degree in medicine, marking the beginning of her career as a resident intern physician. She embarked on her residency at the Hospital Clínico de Santiago de Compostela in 2016, specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Rodríguez made her debut on the global stage in the 2016 Paralympic Games held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Teaming up with her guide, Mabel Gallardo, she showcased her skills and determination, finishing fifth in the individual triathlon event and leaving a lasting impression on her competitors and spectators alike. This remarkable achievement motivated her even further, and she set her sights on the 2020 Summer Paralympics, where she became the first Spanish athlete to compete in two sports: triathlon and athletics.
In the PTVI class, Rodríguez claimed the Paralympic triathlon champion title in Tokyo 2020, racing alongside her trusted guide, Sara Loehr. This victory not only solidified her status as one of the world’s top paratriathletes but also cemented her legacy as a barrier-breaker and role model for aspiring athletes with disabilities. Throughout her career, she has amassed an impressive collection of medals, including seven in the Adapted Triathlon World Championship between 2012 and 2019, and six in the Adapted Triathlon World Championship between 2013 and 2019.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Rodríguez has received accolades and recognition for her inspiring contributions to society. In 2014, she was awarded the Premio Gallega del Año for February, a prestigious honor bestowed upon her by El Correo Gallego, Terras de Santiago, Correo TV, and Radio Obradoiro. Her dedication in the fight against COVID-19 also earned her a spot on the cover of Time magazine in 2021.
The National Organization of the Spanish Blind (ONCE) paid tribute to Rodríguez by dedicating a coupon to her for her outstanding performance in the 2020 Paralympic Games. Additionally, she was honored with the Special Prize for MAS Talent on Board 2021, one of the three special awards at the VIII Women to Follow Awards, in collaboration with Iberia. A testament to her impact on her hometown, the Vigo City Council presented Rodríguez with the city’s gold medal on November 15, 2021.
Susana Rodríguez Gacio’s journey as a doctor, paratriathlete, and sprinter has not only defied odds but also served as a source of inspiration for people around the world. Her unwavering determination, resilience, and commitment to both sports and medicine have made her a trailblazer in women’s history and a symbol of triumph over adversity.
Awards:
– Paralympic gold medal in paratriathlon
– Five-time world champion in paratriathlon
– Premio Gallega del Año for February 2014
– Special Prize for MAS Talent on Board 2021
– Vigo City Council gold medal award