Álex Roca: "One of my dreams is to be a model: society still has beauty standards to break"

Álex Roca, a Spanish athlete with cerebral palsy, has shared his aspirations of becoming a model, stating that society still holds beauty standards that need to be broken. Roca, who has completed marathons and triathlons and has three million followers on social media, recently finished the Alpinum cycling race through the Catalan Pyrenees. He spoke alongside his wife, Mari Carme Maza, who acts as his interpreter. Roca has been training for over eight years and currently trains five or six days a week. He emphasizes the importance of nutrition, hydration, and rest due to his history of epilepsy, which he now manages effectively. Despite his condition, he does not aim to compete in the Paralympic Games, acknowledging that his physical limitations prevent him from being fast enough. However, he continues to push himself physically and mentally, driven by purpose rather than just the challenge itself. Roca's motivations for participating in athletic events have evolved over time. Previously, he sought increasingly difficult challenges for motivation, but now he chooses races based on their significance, supporting causes, inspiring others, or overcoming personal obstacles. For instance, he plans to participate in a Hyrox competition this November, a goal he has not yet disclosed publicly. This decision reflects his commitment to pursuing goals with discipline and medical oversight. Beyond athletics, Roca identifies as a promoter of inclusion. His work spans three areas: as an athlete breaking barriers, as a speaker giving talks worldwide, including in Japan with the Fundació del Futbol Club Barcelona, and as an advocate for inclusion by choosing spaces that challenge prejudices. One of his dreams is to become a model, having already walked a runway two years ago. He aims to walk in major fashion capitals such as Milan, London, Paris, or New York with a genuine brand, emphasizing the need to dismantle societal beauty norms. Roca recalls the moment when a brand first reached out to him, describing it as one of the most special experiences. The initial collaboration was with an alcohol-free beer company after two years of creating content online without financial compensation. The most impactful sponsorship came when a man named Marcus offered to cover all race entry fees for the year after they could not afford the registration costs for the Titan Desert cycling race. This support led to partnerships with brands like Nike, which Roca considers a dream come true, given his childhood admiration for athletes like Ronaldinho wearing Nike gear. Distinguishing brands that genuinely support inclusion from those seeking mere advertising opportunities is crucial for Roca. He notes that authenticity is evident during meetings, and he believes that managing these relationships directly, without intermediaries, has helped maintain his genuine image. While understanding that some brands might fear criticism, Roca ensures they feel comfortable working with him, aiming to create positive associations. Roca’s journey highlights the intersection of sports, advocacy, and personal ambition, showcasing how individuals with disabilities can influence societal perceptions and challenge established norms. His upcoming projects and continued efforts in promoting inclusion reflect his ongoing commitment to making a difference beyond the realm of athletics.