Swimming instructor and former water polo player with 10  years of experience offering lessons in swimming, aquatic rehabilitation, water polo, and sports training for babies, children, teens, and adu

Find out more about Mateo

• What age did you start playing sport? Tell us about this time or moment in your life.

  I started swimming when I was around 10 years old, and not long after, I began training in the gym. Sports quickly became a central part of my life. From a young age, I discovered the discipline, focus, and confidence that physical activity could bring, and I knew it was something I wanted to keep in my life forever.

• What are your favourite sports; those that you practice at a high level, a simple hobby, and a sport that you’d still like to discover?

  At a high level, I practice bodybuilding and swimming. They have both been part of my life for more than a decade, and I also coach them professionally. As a hobby, I enjoy outdoor sports like cycling and hiking. A sport I’d like to discover more deeply is surfing—it combines strength, balance, and connection with nature.

• What gives you the motivation and passion to pursue your sport?

  My main motivation is the transformation I see—not just in myself, but in the people I train. Sports have the power to change lives physically, mentally, and emotionally. Every session is an opportunity to improve, learn, and inspire others.

• Do you have a sporting achievement that you’re particularly proud of?

  Yes, one of my proudest achievements is having trained and inspired people in three different countries—Colombia, Spain, and the United States—adapting my methods to different cultures and environments while helping clients achieve remarkable results.

• How have your achievements and challenges made you a better sportsperson?

  They’ve taught me resilience, patience, and adaptability. Achievements remind me of the rewards of consistency, while challenges have pushed me to develop better strategies, deepen my knowledge, and never settle for mediocrity.

• If you had to go for a jog with a famous athlete, who would you choose? And what questions would you ask them?

  I’d choose Michael Phelps. I’d ask him how he maintained his mental focus and motivation during years of intense training, and how he dealt with pressure while performing at the highest level.

• How do you help people stay motivated?

  I focus on creating realistic, personalized goals and celebrating every small victory. I also adapt training to keep it dynamic and fun, while reminding my clients why they started and what they’re capable of achieving.

• What makes you a Superprof in sports?

  My combination of over 8 years of gym training experience, more than 10 years as a swimmer, and professional certifications in fitness and wellness make me a well-rounded coach. Having taught in different countries has given me the ability to connect with diverse people, understand their needs, and guide them to reach their full potential.