Spanish speed skater Rodriguez has joined the Dutch TalentNED training program, marking a significant step in her career after a challenging previous season.
Schaatsen.nl, published in the Netherlands, reports on Rodriguez’s transition and recent developments.
Rodriguez’s initial training sessions with TalentNED contrasted sharply with her previous season, during which her father coached her. Due to the lack of ice facilities in Spain, she lived with eight other Spanish athletes in Inzell, Germany, while her head coach was in Canada training senior athletes. Consequently, Rodriguez received her training programs digitally. Despite her father’s limited experience in skating—he is an active tennis player—he supported her by providing advice and learning about the sport to assist her development. This arrangement lasted for five years, serving as a foundation for her progress.
Although the conditions were less than ideal, Rodriguez gradually approached the European top in the junior category, finishing several times within the top ten of the Junior World Cup last winter. Her personal best was sixth place in the 500 meters. Unfortunately, a serious fall during a training session at the World Championships affected her performance. She sustained an injury when a fellow skater’s skate blade cut into her shoulder, causing significant bleeding. Despite fears she might have to withdraw from the championship, further medical examination revealed no damage to muscles or tendons, allowing her to compete, though not at her expected level.
Following the unexpected departure of Naomi Kammeraat from TalentNED, an opportunity arose for Rodriguez to join the Dutch development team under coach Stefano Donagrandi. Her invitation, extended through her father, represents a rare and valuable chance that Rodriguez deeply appreciates as she continues her skating career.
