Maialen CHOURRAUT (ESP)

ESSpain
Age:
41 years
Federation:
REAL FEDERACIÓN ESPAÑOLA DE PIRAGÜISMO
Maialen Chourraut (ESP)

Biography

General Interest

Injuries
In 2004 and 2005 she underwent operations on both her shoulders. She was unable to train for several months. (diariovasco.com, 04 Aug 2008)
Sporting philosophy / motto
"I love the sliding in this sport. I am hooked on that feeling. Regarding the pressure, it is difficult to have more pressure from others than the pressure I put on myself. I like it and I need it and that is why I suffer a lot in competitions. But being among the favourites is a good sign.” (elespanol.com, 15 Feb 2016)
Awards and honours
She was named the 2015 Athlete of the Year in Guipuzkoa, Spain. (aepde.org, 04 Jan 2016)

She was named the 2015 Canoeist of the Year by the Royal Spanish Canoe Federation [RFEP]. (lavozdetalavera.com, 31 Jan 2016)

In 2015 she received the Sabino Arana Prize for her dedication and commitment to society. (sabinoarana.org, 19 Dec 2015)
Famous relatives
Her husband Xabier Extaniz has served as national coach of the Spanish canoe slalom team. (deia.com, 05 Jun 2015)
Other information
PADDLING WHILE PREGNANT
She continued paddling until she was eight months pregnant with her daughter Ane. "My idea was clear, I wanted to be a mother and continue being a high-level athlete. The later I stopped paddling, the easier it would be for me to regain my form." (deia.com, 05 Jun 2015)

NATIONAL FIRST
With her bronze medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, she became the first Spanish slalom paddler to win an Olympic medal. She also became the first Spanish slalom paddler to win a World Cup gold when she triumphed at the 2010 event in Seu d'Urgell, Spain. (raulcosin.com, 18 Mar 2016; marca.com, 27 Jun 2010)

Sport Specific Information

When and where did you begin this sport?
She began paddling at age 12 in San Sebastian, Spain.
Why this sport?
She went to a summer course about canoeing. She liked it and the following year wanted to repeat. She was then encouraged to try slalom at the Atletico San Sebastian club.
Club / Team
Atletico San Sebastian: Spain
Name of coach
Xabier Etxaniz [husband, national]
Training Regime
She trains in La Seu d'Urgell, Spain.

Further Personal Information

Date of birth
08 March 1983
Height
161 cm
Weight
55 kg
Marital status
Married
Family
Husband Xabier Extaniz, daughter Ane [2013]
Residence
La Seu d'Urgell, ESP
Occupation
Athlete
Languages
Spanish
Higher education
Business Administration - Catholic University of Murcia [UCAM]: Spain