Jorge Fernández, about his university studies: I started Engineering to please my father, but I left because I liked Physical Education

Jorge Fernández, the Spanish television presenter known for hosting La ruleta de la suerte on Antena 3, has shared personal insights into his academic journey. At the age of 54, he reflected on how he initially pursued engineering studies to please his father but eventually switched to Physical Education due to a stronger personal interest. This decision ultimately shaped his career path, leading him away from traditional engineering fields and toward a more active lifestyle centered around sports and fitness. Born in Alicante, Fernández grew up in Mondragón, in the deep part of the Basque region, as he described. His early years were marked by a desire to follow in his family's footsteps, which led him to begin studying engineering. However, he soon realized this was not the right direction for him. In a past interview with the podcast Tengo un Plan, he admitted that while he started the degree to satisfy his father’s expectations, he quickly discovered it did not align with his true passions. Instead, he found himself drawn to the field of Physical Education, a discipline that would later become central to both his professional and personal life. In 1999, Fernández made a pivotal career shift after suffering a serious knee injury during his time as a professional basketball player with Saski Baskonia. The injury forced him to retire from competitive sports earlier than planned, opening the door to new opportunities. He moved to San Sebastián and joined a modeling agency, where he began working as a model and even won the title of Mr. Spain. This unexpected turn brought him into the spotlight and eventually introduced him to television, though he had little experience in front of the camera. Fernández recalled that he had no aspirations of becoming a TV host and was actually quite nervous about public speaking. Despite these reservations, he seized the opportunity that came his way. He attributed his success in the television industry to a combination of luck and hard work. “The chance was a matter of luck,” he once said, “but then there’s the effort one must put in.” Once he was in the media world, he dedicated himself fully to his role, leading to nearly two decades of presenting La ruleta de la suerte. Despite his long-standing presence in television, Fernández maintains a deep connection to sports and physical activity. He views them as integral parts of his identity and continues to engage in regular exercise, often sharing his routines on social media. From cycling trips to skiing and windsurfing, his lifestyle reflects the values he learned through his education in Physical Education. He sees his career in television as complementary to his passion for sports and health, rather than a departure from it. Looking ahead, Fernández expresses hope for continued involvement in television programming, particularly in formats that emphasize sport and wellness. He aims to expand his reach beyond La ruleta de la suerte while maintaining his commitment to promoting healthy living through both his work and personal example. His journey from a student of engineering to a beloved television personality and lifelong advocate for sports underscores the transformative power of following one’s interests, even when they lead down unexpected paths.