Already well entrenched in the Mexican national team, Juan Carlos Cabrera fit study at the National University of Mexico into his training. Cabrera has rowed at the under-23 and senior level and his best result so far internationally is an A-final finish at the 2013 World Rowing Under 23 Championships.

World Rowing: Tell us about how you started rowing.
Juan Carlos Cabrera: It was five years ago at the National University of Mexico. I played American football before for five years. And then I decided to try rowing.

WR: Why did you stay with rowing?
JCC: It is a very interesting sport. There is so much passion and excitement.

WR: What is your favourite boat to row?
JCC: I like the single. And also the men’s eight. In the Pan American Games I rowed in the eight.

WR: Where do you train?
JCC: Right now I am training with the national team, there are about 20 of us. We do two training sessions per day, seven days a week.

WR: What are you studying?
JCC: I am studying communications. I hope to be able to be working and rowing together for a few years.

WR: What do you want to achieve in rowing?
JCC: Ah, the goal for me is the Olympic Games. Right now, I’ll look to Rio, then maybe Tokyo (2024) and then working.

WR: How do you balance work, studying and rowing?
JCC: It is difficult, but it’s possible. I just have a cycle, work, study, row, sleep and do it over again routine. But I study at 50 per cent so that helps me to balance as well. I have three more years at university.

WR: Do you have any other hobbies?
JCC: I like to go to the cinema, read and then .. lots of rowing.

Juan Carlos Cabrera (MEX)

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