The first-year student of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences (PASS) at the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO), Óscar Crespo, has succeeded in becoming Spain’s under-20 athletics champion, consolidating as one of the most outstanding promises in the national panorama.
Crespo started in athletics from a very young age. Although he started federally at the age of six in Atletismo Piélagos, he claims that he has been running “since three years”. After his time with Atletismo Torrelavega, he is currently competing in CAPEX, an Honor Division team that participates in competitions at national level.
Reconciling your sports career with university studies is no easy task. The young athlete trains between Santander and Torrelavega, but says that he has always been able to organize: “I manage to keep him well because I have always managed to do well by studying and training.”
The title of champion of Spain means for Crespo the fulfillment of a dream that he had since his beginnings in athletics. “You see people winning and wonder when you will get there. This year it was achieved,” he explains. The competition, however, was not easy. During the race, he had to overcome a difficult situation after passing in last position in the first round. His rebound, based on his strength in the final metres, was key to securing victory.
Beyond the physical, Crespo emphasizes the importance of the mental aspect in high-level sport. “You have to come and believe it. Self-confidence is very important,’ he says. He also recognizes that the pressure increases when starting as a favorite, although support from coaches, friends, and family is essential to manage it.
Among his next goals, the Cantabrian athlete aspires to be selected for an international match between Spain and Portugal, as well as to qualify for the U-20 World Championship to be held in August in Oregon (United States).
On a personal level, athletics has taught him not to give in to adversity. He especially remembers an injury last year, when he broke his arm after a race. Far from quitting, he continued training and managed to keep competing.
Finally, Crespo sends a message to young athletes: “The road is slow. The important thing is not to be good as a child, but to enjoy and come when you have grown up.”
With this achievement, Óscar Crespo not only adds a national title to his career, but also becomes a reference for students athletes who seek to combine academic training and high performance