Rodríguez, born in Vigo, Galicia, delivered an exceptional performance alongside her guide Sara Pérez. The duo dominated every segment of the race—swimming, cycling, and running—displaying an unyielding command that left their competitors trailing far behind. Crossing the finish line with a comfortable lead, Rodríguez once again proved why she is a force to be reckoned with on the international para-triathlon stage.

Despite being born with albinism and a severe visual impairment—her vision limited to just 5% in one eye and 7% in the other—Rodríguez has always balanced her passion for sport with an equally strong dedication to medicine. After graduating with a degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Vigo, she pursued a medical degree at the University of Santiago de Compostela, where she completed her studies in 2015. She currently works as a physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Santiago de Compostela Hospital, where her expertise continues to make a significant impact on patients' lives.

Rodríguez’s journey to the pinnacle of Paralympic sport began in 1998 when she was introduced to adapted athletics through the Spanish National Organisation for the Blind (ONCE). For a decade, she competed in various athletics events, aiming for the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing.

However, after narrowly missing out on qualification, Rodríguez faced a crossroads in her career. Undeterred, she decided to channel her competitive spirit into a new challenge: triathlon. In 2010, she made the switch and began what would become an illustrious career in the sport, marked by consistent success on the global stage.

Fluent in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, Rodríguez is not just a multi-talented athlete but also a polyglot, whose language skills have undoubtedly aided her in navigating the international sports arena.

Her transition to triathlon, spurred by the disappointment of missing out on Beijing 2008, was inspired by the legendary achievements of fellow Galicians Javier Gómez Noya and Iván Raña, two of Spain’s most celebrated triathletes. Their success provided Rodríguez with the motivation she needed to pursue greatness in a sport where she would eventually eclipse her idols.

The Paris 2024 Paralympics marks Rodríguez’s third appearance at the Games. She made her debut in Rio 2016, where she finished fifth in triathlon’s first inclusion as a Paralympic event. Her breakthrough came at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where she, alongside her guide at the time, Sara Löehr, won gold. The duo’s victory in Tokyo followed years of hard work, including reaching the top of the world rankings in the lead-up to the Games.

In Paris, Rodríguez’s determination to defend her title was evident from the start. Competing in the PTVI category, she led the field from the outset, securing a lead in the swim that she would never relinquish. By the time she crossed the finish line, she had widened the gap to over two minutes ahead of her nearest rival, Italy’s Francesca Tarantello, who took silver.

Reflecting on her victory, Rodríguez acknowledged the difficulty of retaining a Paralympic title: “Winning a Paralympic gold is incredibly hard, but defending it is even tougher. After Tokyo, I found it challenging to get back on track, and there were moments when I wasn’t sure I’d make it to another start line. But we put in the work, and now I can enjoy this moment.”

Rodríguez’s triumph in Paris adds to her already impressive resume, which includes five world championships (2012, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022), three world runner-up titles (2013, 2017, and 2023), and four European titles (2014, 2019, 2022, and 2023).

These accolades earned her the prestigious National Sports Award in 2022, which she received alongside tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, making her the first para-athlete to be honoured in this way. The award was presented by Queen Letizia of Spain, marking a significant moment in Rodríguez’s career.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Rodríguez gained international recognition when she was featured on the cover of Time magazine in July 2021. The magazine honoured her as a Paralympic athlete on the front lines of Spain's fight against COVID-19, where she served as both a doctor and a public health advocate.

This exposure catapulted her into the global spotlight, leading to numerous opportunities, including becoming a brand ambassador and gracing the cover of Elle magazine earlier this year. In these roles, Rodríguez has been a powerful advocate for raising awareness about albinism and breaking down the stereotypes that often accompany the condition.

“The richness of society lies in its diversity, and it’s crucial to show that all body types deserve respect,” Rodríguez explained in a recent interview with El País.She expressed pride in being one of the athletes chosen by Mattel to be immortalized as a Barbie doll as part of the brand’s 65th anniversary celebrations.

The doll, inspired by Rodríguez, stands alongside other barrier-breaking athletes such as Serena Williams and Rebeca Andrade. Rodríguez is the only para-athlete among the nine models chosen, a testament to her impact on the sport and society.

"I hope that when girls see me and my doll, they see an example of someone who, despite certain challenges, has achieved many of those goals that might seem difficult to reach through hard work, effort, and above all, self-confidence," Rodríguez said.

Rodríguez’s path to Paris was not without its challenges. Just three months before the Games, she and her guide, Sara Pérez, suffered a serious crash during the World Triathlon Cup in Vigo. The accident occurred when their bike’s front tire blew out while descending a steep hill at nearly 70 kilometres per hour, resulting in a back injury for Rodríguez.

Despite this setback, she and Pérez recovered in time to compete in Paris, where they delivered a flawless performance. Rodríguez took an early lead in the swim and maintained her advantage throughout the race, ultimately crossing the finish line in triumph at the iconic Alexandre III bridge, greeted by a cheering crowd in the heart of Paris.

The day was also a resounding success for Spanish para-triathletes overall. Marta Gómez secured a silver medal in the PTS4 category, Daniel Molina won gold in PTS3, and Nil Riudavets claimed bronze in PTS4, contributing to a highly successful campaign for Spain in Paris.

Rodríguez’s victory not only adds to her legacy but also serves as an inspiration to countless others. As she continues to break barriers and achieve new heights, she remains a shining example of resilience, determination, and the power of sport to change lives.