Is there one word that describes the joy you receive from your sport?
Incredible!

How did you become interested in your sport?
Actually, I went to see my friend from Guatemala compete in the New York Triathlon in 2001. It was very inspiring to watch people with different physical challenges doing this event. I also really wanted to feel the excitement of doing the three disciplines. The only obstacle for me was my fear of the water. I never even got into a swimming pool. So, I decided to take some swimming lessons. I went to talk to the instructor and told him that I would like to learn how to swim because I really want to do an Ironman some day in the future. He looked at me and told me "OK Israel, swim just 15 yards". I swam but with my legs going down and at the end of the pool, I was completely out of breath!! He looked at me and started to laugh and said, "Israel, you need a lot of work!!"

I trained very, very hard and believe it or not, the Half Ironman 2004 in St. Croix was my first triathlon!! I was very happy to be among triathletes. Even though I did it very slowly, I did finish.

What other hobbies do you enjoy?
Besides biking, running and swimming, I like to play table tennis and soccer, which is my passion. It keeps me distracted and I really enjoy it. Also, I love to travel around the world to meet people, learn about their cultures. Of course, I love dancing too!

What's your favorite meal to eat before and after a big race?
The night before the race, I like to eat Spaghetti a la Bolognese with garlic bread. For dessert, I love chocolate cake. In the morning, I eat a corn or banana muffin and milk and orange juice. After a race it depends. If it's a short race, I like to eat my favorite dessert, a banana split, or pancakes; if it's a long race (Half or an Ironman), a huge piece of steak with French fries and a glass of red wine. Delicioso!! Or just simply a Hamburger Deluxe.

Do you have a favorite song, favorite music group, or is there music you like to train to, or is there a certain song that plays in your head when you race or ride?
I love the music from the 70's and the 80's; Los Straitjackets, Guns n Roses and Musica Latina. I love to think about The Mission Impossible song and Exitos Latinos (Latin Hits).

Do you have a personal motto?
KEEP GOING!! Any human being is capable of doing anything if you set your mind to it.

The most memorable and meaningful race you've been in and why?
I really enjoyed Ironman Nice because it was my first Ironman. Although it was very challenging in terms of the terrain, heat and humidity, I'll have these memories for the rest of my life. What I especially liked was the camaraderie among the athletes from 24 countries. Even though we all spoke different languages, we had a common bond and a language of support and encouragement. Even in our pain, we smiled at each other. Just to think of swimming for 2.4 miles was unbelievable. As soon as I heard the gun going off, I jumped in with 1,500 other people. I finished my first lap and came out of the water smiling because it seemed like a miracle! When I finished the swim segment, I said happily to myself, "I didn't drown".

During the bike course, it was great going through little towns, climbing and hearing people cheer us on. When I got to the hills, or mountains rather, I knew it was going to be a very hard climb. Especially, riding a 2000 Gregg Lemond steel bike!! Every part of my body was in pain. Sometimes I was wondering why I was doing this. (When things get tough, you have to be tougher). But I really wanted to finish my first Ironman. I kept going and going with my dream on my mind. I was repeating to myself what a privilege to be in this event. When the going was getting tough, I thought about my family who never thought that I was going to do this and about the children in Guatemala who don't have this opportunity to travel and compete. Someday, I would love to make their dreams come true as I was doing for me.

I finished the bike in great spirits even though my feet were in a lot of pain. I went to the tent and relaxed for 10 minutes, changed my clothes, spoke with the volunteers and thanked them for everything. As soon as I put my running shoes on, I felt like I hadn't ridden my bike. I was running an 8-minute pace for the first 7 miles but then realized how difficult a competition this was. So, I started alternate walking and running during the rest of the marathon. I was able to talk to other triathletes, get my nutrition, and the most important thing about everything was that I felt great inside. I proudly can say I finished in 14:30.

I learned so much in Nice. About how difficult this event is; how important it is to keep positive, and how focused you have to be. I learned to appreciate the effort by all the volunteers and the professionals. Definitely, I have a lot of respect for them. But, above all that, the best thing was yet to come.eat ALL I can eat!!!!