Athletes in Poznan: Angel Fournier Rodriguez

Now as a rower he is moving up the ranks and in the heats, Fournier pushed World Champion Mahe Drysdale (NZL) for nearly the entire race.

World Rowing: How do you feel about your experience at these World Rowing Championships?
Angel Fournier Rodriguez: I feel fine; the installations are very beautiful and I enjoy rowing here. Unfortunately, for my first World Championships in the men’s single, I would have liked to make it to the A-final. I will give everything to win my next race, the B-final, and be the seventh single sculler in the world.

WR: How did you prepare for these World Championships?
AFR: I have been preparing for a year now. I have trained all the time in Cuba. I went to Banyoles for the first Rowing World Cup of 2009 where I finished fourth and then travelled back to Cuba to continue my training plan. I also study physical education, and am in my fourth year – there are six in total – so I have to be in Cuba.

WR: How did you come into rowing?
AFR: I was a basketball player and am now rowing for eight years. Actually a trainer came to me in Guantanamo (the town where I live) and asked me whether I wanted to row. As I said yes, I went to the academy of sport in Cuba.

WR: What is your long-term objective?
AFR: London 2012 of course and I see these championships as a good first step in my preparation to that goal.

WR: Are you a well-known athlete at home?
AFR: There are only about 500 rowers in Cuba. Many people follow me and I receive lots of e-mails every day from my fans.

WR: What about music?
AFR: As most Cubans, I really like music very much but I don’t play myself. It’s a hobby and I listen a lot.