Outbraker Testimonials: Jairo Ruiz

Jairo Ruiz defines himself as a “paralympic triathlete for the Spanish national team”, a title he has proudly held for many years. However, Jairo is not only an skilled athlete but also a living example of effort, perseverance, and dedication, qualities that have given him numerous titles both nationally and internationally, and from Outbraker we have the pleasure of interviewing him.

Jairo Ruiz López: A Story of Perseverance and Dedication

Born on November 26, 1988, in Almería, Jairo’s journey into the world of sports began at an early age, influenced by his parents. He took his first steps in taekwondo and swimming, training at the Jairán Club in Almería for several years before venturing into triathlon. However, it wasn’t until he was “nineteen or twenty years old”, as he tells, that he made the leap to triathlon, encouraged by fellow club members who were already practicing it.

Years later, Jairo’s paralympic debut in triathlon at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games marked a turning point in his career as well as in Spanish sports history. Becoming the sole representative from Andalusia at the Olympic Games, he secured Spain’s first medal in the category, a bronze. Since then, he has accumulated an impressive record with two world medals, six European medals, two world and continental titles in duathlon, a European title in aquathlon, and a total of 17 national championships in various specialties.

Despite his success, Jairo has faced significant challenges along the way, which he has overcome with steady determination. With varied results in competitions, his daily focus has consistently been the same: to train and compete tirelessly, giving his best and achieving optimal results in every race.

Determination and Tenacity

The early stages are always challenging, especially when adapting each bicycle becomes necessary. Jairo relates that, despite cycling from a very young age,

“the old brake system—shoe brakes—was simpler to modify in a DIY manner at home, managing to fit two cables into the same brake lever. However, the advent of disc brakes posed a problem, as the hydraulic system turned out much more challenging to manipulate. For Jairo, it became impossible to figure out how to make a single lever brake both wheels”.

Despite this difficulty, Jairo found a solution with the Outbraker Splitter & Booster:

“For me, being able to use this Splitter has been a great advantage, mainly in my training, because I can ride with much more safety and improve my training significantly.”

Now, that training is focused on a specific goal: Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Community Importance

Behind every athlete is a solid support system, and Jairo is not an exception. His parents taught him to live without fear and to follow his dreams without fear of failure. Their unwavering support has been crucial to Jairo’s development as both an athlete and an individual.

These are the same lessons he seeks to inculcate in the new young members joining his club in Roquetas de Mar, where he feels part of a large family:

“I was struck by the large number of children, the huge school, and how involved all the people in that club were with introducing triathlon to anyone who wanted to practice, whether they were children or adults, with or without disabilities”

A few months ago, Jairo made a campaign to recruit people with disabilities interested in trying triathlon. They found Jaime, who expressed a enthusiastic interest in triathlon but faced a significant obstacle—adapting his bike. The club, with Jairo’s involvement, secured a grant from the Andalusian government, purchased the necessary equipment, and, thanks to Outbraker’s component, adapted the bicycle for Jaime to handle safely.

Jaime is yet another testament to how community is essential in overcoming barriers and how sports can form new families. In this regard, Jairo also tells us:

“When we started competing, the whole paratriathlon scene wasn’t as well-structured as it is today. We used to travel alone, two or three colleagues around the world, each with their bike and suitcase. It was more of an adventure than a competition.”

Jairo Ruiz, with his story of constancy, tenacity, and professionalism, sends a clear message to those entering the world of triathlon or any discipline: the most important thing is to try without fear. All you have to do is take the step to discover if it truly ignites your passion. Jairo’s story is a reminder that, with effort and determination, any obstacle can be overcome, and the most ambitious goals can be achieved.

If you want to read other Outbraker stories like Jairo’s, don’t hesitate to visit Kini Carrasco‘s or Marta Francés‘ stories.