Rio profile: Iñaki Gomez
Iñaki Gomez is a 28-year-old walker, originally from Mexico City, Mexico but he attended high school in Vancouver, BC.
Event: 20km racewalk
Major: Arts
Career highlights: twice represented Canada at World Championships, won silver in the 20km race walk at the 2015 Pan American Games, holds the national record in the 20km walk, and placed 13th at the 2012 Olympic Games.
How did you get your start in track & field?
As a kid in Mexico, I competed in several sports; athletics was one of them. In fact, I learned to race walk at a very young age. In my high school years, I competed in both running and walking events - distances ranging from 800m - 5000m.
Most embarrassing sports moment?
For me or for others? I am not sure how people around the seawall feel when three walkers zip by them during their weekend runs!
Who is your role model?
Gerry Dragomir, my coach and mentor, has provided a great deal of guidance over the many years working together. Apart from his coaching in sport, I think I have gained much more from his life and professional support.
Favourite spot on campus?
Pacific Spirit Park - there is something great about just running aimlessly through the various trails without a specific plan.
Favourite Marek quote?
I was a big fan of his pre-NAIA speeches where he would create a narrative of the team and then finish off with some metaphor for how thunder was going to strike in whatever city we were traveling to.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what three items would you want to have and why?
Unlimited fresh water for obvious reasons; basic tools to help with fishing and shelter; and sunglasses to look fresh while trying to survive… I guess?!
Turning point in your career when you thought "I could be good at this?”
Probably when Gerry convinced me straight out of high school to train that summer for a US/Canada Dual Race Walk Development team. I got my first Athletics Canada National Team kit. I was hooked after that!
What was your darkest moment as an athlete, and how did you get through it?
I have had several injuries that have threatened to put an end to my athletic career. To get through the tough times, I relied heavily on an incredible support staff: my wife, my coach; my teammates; our group’s physiotherapists, massage therapists and doctors; and my family and friends.
Nickname people call you?
Various incorrect pronunciations of my actual name.
Competing aside, what are you most looking forward to in Rio?
Sharing the experience with my teammates and loved ones.
