From Triathlon Triumphs to Tennis Triumphs: Ricardo Cardeño Returns to His Sporting Roots
Ricardo Cardeño, the legendary Colombian triathlete himself, is defying expectations by stepping back onto the tennis courts. After conqueringstear, the world of triathlon and bringing countless medals home for Colombia, Cardeño is now embracing a turn back to the sport that first ignited his athletic journey.
At 53 years old, the Colombian athlete revisited his youth at the “Indeportes Antioquia” 2024 Departmental Sports Games, pulling on the El Retiro team jersey. “My sporting career began here, in tennis. It was what trained me in discipline and prepared me physically for everything that came later,” he recalled with evident emotion, surrounded by a new generation of athletes.
Cardeño’s career plates displays a legacy of success. He stormed onto the triathlon scene in 1993, quickly making his mark on the international stage. He secured medals at the South American, Central American, and Pan American Games, solidifying his position as a national champion – a title earned several times over. Even after stepping back from professional triathlon a decade ago, his passion for sports never faded.
But Cardeño’s return to the tennis court isn’t simply about nostalgia. Thanks to Age-friendly changes to the rules of the Departmental Games, allowing competitors to compete regardless of age, Cardeño found a new avenue to reignite his competitive spirit. ” This is a sports festival. I’d never been to a Departmental Games, neither as a tennis player nor as a triathlete, and experiencing this is wonderful,” he explained, sharing his excitement between matches, surrounded by the exhilarating energy of the games.
He added, “There’s an incredible ambiance of joy here, and that’s what I enjoy most. For me, this isn’t about winning or losing; it’s about enjoying the sport I love and being surrounded by fellow athletes.”
His physical condition is still remarkably impressive, a testament to the years spent training in the grueling world of triathlon. The technique he developed on the court in his youth, combined with the endurance and mental toughness acquired through triathlon, has allowed him to transition seamlessly back to tennis.
He says, “I had the advantage of being physically fit and having learned the basics since I was a child. Now I’m enjoying rediscovering this sport. Being back in competition is a unique and exciting experience.”
This journey back to the tennis court has a deeper, more personal meaning for Cardeño. It’s about completing a circle, a tribute to his early aspirations on the clay court.
He explained, “Many dream of accomplishment in the sports they love, me included. Returning here feels like completing a circle that started decades ago when my heart felt an undeniable passion for tennis.”
He finds himself not only competing but also inspiring new generations of athletes. For Cardeño, sport isn’t simply about physical prowess; it’s about life lessons learned on the field.
Inspiring the Next Generation
“Sport teaches discipline, teamwork, and perseverance – lessons that extend beyond the court,” he said, observing the younger competitors with pride. “It’s wonderful to see how these Departmental Games encourage young people to dedicate themselves to sports and not activities that might not be beneficial. It isn’t just good for individual growth, but it strengthens entire communities, boosting not only sports but also areas like tourism and the local economy in towns like Andes and Jardín,” he highlighted.
If there’s one thing Ricardo Cardeño wants his life, his return to tennis, to represent, it’s the power of passion and perseverance. He is living proof that dreams don’t have an expiration date. At any age, there are opportunities to rediscover old passions and pursue new heights.
He said, “I love being here, surrounded by young athletes, my generation, new faces – it fills my soul. I want everyone, especially the younger generations, to know that it’s never too late to return to something you love, to chase those old dreamsand set new goals.”
With every serve and return, Ricardo Cardeño Restrepo reminds us that sport transcends age and time, becoming a bridge between generations. He underscores that the spirit of competition, the drive for excellence, and the pursuit of goals linger in every laureate, and he invites every generation to take their own “next step.”
What are the key differences Ricardo Cardeño has experienced between triathlon and tennis at his current age?
## From Triathlon Triumpths to Tennis Triumphs: An Interview with Ricardo Cardeño
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the world of tennis, Ricardo! It’s truly inspiring to see you competing at the “Indeportes Antioquia” 2024 Departmental Sports Games, especially after such a successful triathlon career. What brought you back to the court after all these years?
**Ricardo Cardeño:** Thank you! It feels incredible to be back playing the sport where it all began. My athletic journey started on the tennis court. It instilled in me the discipline and physical preparation that became vital for my triathlon career. Returning to tennis feels like closing a circle, a tribute to my early aspirations.
**Interviewer:** Your dedication to sports is remarkable! Switching gears from triathlons to tennis at 53 years old speaks volumes about your passion. What’s been the biggest difference coming back to tennis after all this time?
**Ricardo Cardeño:** While the physical challenge is certainly there, I’ve found that AT my age, it’s more about the mental game. The endurance and mental toughness I developed in triathlon definitely helps on the tennis court. Plus, rediscovering the techniques I learned as a child has been a surprisingly joyful experience.
**Interviewer:** Age-friendly changes like those at the Departmental Games are fantastic. They allow athletes like yourself to continue pursuing your passions. How has this experience been for you?
**Ricardo Cardeno:** It’s been wonderful! This is my first time participating in the Departmental Games, and the atmosphere is truly electrifying. It’s not about winning or losing for me; it’s about enjoying the sport I love and being surrounded by fellow athletes who share that passion.
**Interviewer:** You’ve achieved so much in your career. From conquering the international triathlon scene to returning to your roots in tennis, what advice would you give to young athletes who dream of achieving greatness in their chosen sport?
**Ricardo Cardeño:** Never lose sight of the joy that your sport brings you. Discipline is important, but so is finding that spark of passion that drives you. Embrace the journey, learn from every experience, and never give up on your dreams. Remember, the pursuit of excellence is its own reward.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ricardo, for sharing your story and inspiring us all. We wish you all the best in the games!
