Alex Roca, the first athlete with a 76% disability to complete a marathon, stars on Runner's World Spain cover
Alex Roca made history at the Barcelona Marathon last weekend when he became the first person in the world with a 76% disability to complete a marathon. Now, the Nike athlete is set to star on the cover of Runner's World Spain for a special 'Without Limits' issue.
The 32-year-old accountant from Catalonia wants to encourage others to live limitlessly, telling RW: 'I want to break barriers and stigmas so that all the people in this world who find themselves in a difficulty see my example, get motivated and don't stop fighting.'
Roca has cerebral palsy, caused by herpetic viral encephalitis (cerebral herpes) contracted at six months old. He has reduced mobility on the left side of his body and communicates through sign language. 'The doctors said that I would not live and they hallucinate because I am alive,' he writes on his website. 'In my life I have had many barriers and I have jumped them as best I could and with a lot of effort. Currently, I have studies, work, car, partner and a "normal" life.'
Sport is also a key part of Roca's life, and says he views it 'a lifestyle to improve myself'. Roca has been training for the Barcelona Marathon for several years now and has completed six half marathons in preparation, including the Barcelona Half Marathon, which he ran earlier this year in a personal best time of 2:38:28.
On 19 March, he fulfilled his lifelong marathon ambition – crossing the finish line of the Barcelona Marathon in 5:50:51. He was accompanied on the course by his interpreter, Valentí Sanjuan, who broadcast his race on Roca's Twitch channel, as well as his brother Victor.
Afterwards, Sanjuan posted an emotional video of their finish-line celebrations on Instagram, which went viral.
Alex is no stranger to endurance challenges. He's completed Garmin’s Titan Desert race, a six-day multiple stage mountain bike race through the Moroccan desert between the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert, five triathlons and multiple long-distance bike rides, including riding non-stop from Madrid to Lisbon.
'The word "no" is the word I like the most,' he told RW in an exclusive interview. It is the word I have heard the most in my life: you will not be able to live, nor walk, nor study, nor have a partner. And I said: "You are going to see how I manage it", and I have fought to show the world that the limit is up to you.'
Roca is aiming to create a foundation one day that helps other people with disabilities through sport. 'My life without sport would be impossible, he says, 'it is my fundamental pillar to achieve my dreams and my maximum happiness.'
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