Namita Nayyar:
You have initially played in the Spanish top tier league, then to the US, later signing for Polish team Wisła Can-Pack Kraków in 2017, and in 2019 you transferred to Turkish team Çukurova Basketbol, 2020 Schio Italy. Now you have returned to Spain to win the 2021 Spanish League with Perfumerías Avenida. Tell us more about how you have adjusted yourself to live and play in different country clubs and what had been a catalyst to turn you back to your native country and club back in Spain.
Leo Rodriguez:
Every time I signed a new contract I took it as an opportunity. An opportunity to see other parts of the world, new languages, people, culture, religion, etc. Poland was the first country. I signed in Krakow. It was a wonderful city with one of the most beautiful and biggest town squares in Europe. Poland is a country with a lot of history and powerful stories to listen to. I stayed there two years.
Turkey was the biggest challenge of all because of the culture contrast. However, I did learn a lot. After five months I transferred to Schio, Italy. Italy is my favorite. From day 1, I felt like home. Their personality, humor, cuisine, and way of living is very similar to Spain. And that’s when Covid hit. Especially in Italy and right in the area I was living at. I had to stay two months before I was able to fly back home. And that’s the reason why I decided to go back home, Spain, for the next season (last year). I wanted to be closer to home and the ones I love.
Namita Nayyar:
You won the silver medal playing for Spanish Team in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Río. Elaborate more about this exceptional achievement of your basketball playing career?
Leo Rodriguez:
I feel blessed. Playing in the Olympic Games is the highest achievement as an athlete. I’ve had the privileged to participate in two. Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. A memory I will never forget is at the Rio Olympics, holding my teammates hands and stepping onto the podium with a silver medal around our necks while listening to the Spanish anthem. This was first and ONLY Olympic medal for Spanish Women’s basketball team. I am so proud to be a part of it.
And making it to Tokyo, 5 years later, after it had been postponed, and having gone through one year of Covid and uncertainty, I made sure to make the most of every single moment and enjoy this special time with my teammates.
Namita Nayyar:
The 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women, the 17th edition of FIBA’s premier international tournament for women’s national basketball teams, was held in Ankara and Istanbul, Turkey from 27 September to 5 October 2014. You playing for Spain won the silver medal. Tell us a memorable moment in this tournament matches and how this wins in your career has been a turning point to motivate you to reach greater height in your basketball playing career?
Leo Rodriguez:
It was the first time I made the final roster of the top national team. I remember I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect. It ended up being super fun and I learned a lot from my veterans and got to experience a top level World championship. On top of that, we came back to Spain with a Silver World championship medal: the highest medal Spain Women’s basketball had ever achieved in a world championship. Unbelievable.
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you may wish to share?
Leo Rodriguez:
About 9-10 months out of the year I’m training with my European team or Spanish national team. They plan our schedules with the trips, practices, and games. Workout routine is individualized. In the summer I love going for runs along the beach and nature. Pilates, stretching and body weight workouts.
I try keeping it fun and having a good variety of different exercises. Overall I just like being active. It makes me happy, mentally and physically.
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