Biography
Started: Initially a swimmer, he began triathlon training in 2011 in Almeria, Spain. He took up the sport professionally in 2015. (planetatriatlon.comv, 27 Jun 2017; Athlete, 15 Jan 2015)
Reason: He first started swimming at the Club Natacion de Almeria in Spain. However, he was not completely satisfied participating in the sport and wanted to try something new so he signed up for a triathlon competition. He enjoyed it and realised it was the sport he wanted to pursue. (jairoruiztriatlon.com, 08 Dec 2014)
Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (ideal.es, 13 Feb 2024)
Milestones: He became the first triathlete representing Spain to win a Paralympic medal when he claimed bronze in the PT4 category at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. (SportsDeskOnline, 19 Aug 2021; tokio2020.dxtadaptado.com, 25 Jul 2021)
Awards: A sports centre in Almeria, Spain, is named after him. (centrosupera.com, 15 Jul 2021; Interalmeria TV YouTube channel, 12 Jun 2018)
He was named the 2010 Sportsman of the Year by the Association of Federations of People with an Impairment in Almeria, Spain. (ideal.es, 09 Nov 2010)
Additional Info: RETIREMENT PLANS
In 2024 he announced he intends to end his competitive career after the 2024 World Championships in Malaga, Spain. (Instagram profile, 12 Feb 2024)
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal Details
GenderMale
Birth DateNovember 26, 1988
Place of ResidenceALMERIA
OccupationAthlete
EducationPhysical Education - Technical University of Madrid, Spain
Languages SpokenEnglish, Spanish
CoachBenito de Torres [personal], ESP
Highlights
| Rank | Event | Year | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paralympic Games | ||||
| 3 | Men's PT4 | 2016 | Rio de Janeiro, BRA | 1:03:14 |
| 8 | PTS5 | 2020 | Tokyo, JPN | 1:02:48 |
| World Championships | ||||
| 2 | PTS5 | 2017 | Rotterdam, NED | 1:03:21 |
| 3 | Men's PT4 | 2016 | Rotterdam, NED | 1:03:58 |
| 4 | PTS5 | 2019 | Lausanne, SUI | 1:04:03 |
| 4 | PTS5 | 2018 | Gold Coast, QLD, AUS | 59:42 |
| 4 | Men's PT4 | 2015 | Chicago, IL, USA | 1:01:39 |
| 4 | Men's PT4 | 2014 | Edmonton, AB, CAN | 1:04:51 |
| 6 | Men's TRI-4 | 2013 | London, GBR | 1:10:23 |
| 7 | PTS5 | 2021 | Abu Dhabi, UAE | 1:00:14 |
| 7 | Men's TRI-4 | 2012 | Auckland, NZL | 1:00:13 |
| 10 | PTS5 | 2023 | Pontevedra, ESP | 1:00:28 |
| 10 | PTS5 | 2022 | Abu Dhabi, UAE | 1:04:36 |
| European Championships | ||||
| 4 | PTS5 | 2023 | Madrid, ESP | 56:18 |
| 4 | PTS5 | 2021 | Valencia, ESP | 1:01:39 |
| 6 | PTS5 | 2022 | Olsztyn, POL | 48:07 |
