IN CONVERSATION WITH DANI CASTILLA

interview by JANA LETONJA

Dani Castilla is emerging as one of Spain’s most exciting next-generation athletes, bringing together elite-level performance, striking visual presence, and growing cultural relevance beyond the track. Currently holding the title of Spanish Champion in hurdles, Dani represents a new wave of athletes whose influence naturally extends into fashion, lifestyle, and contemporary culture. With an image that seamlessly bridges sport and editorial storytelling, he is quickly attracting attention from major international brands. As athletics increasingly intersects with fashion and identity-driven media, Dani stands out not only for his discipline and competitive focus, but also for the modern, multidimensional energy he brings to the world of sport.

What does it mean to you, on a personal level, to be the Spanish champion?

Being the Spanish champion is one of the greatest achievements I can aspire to. At the end of the day, being the best in your country in your discipline is something truly special.

I’ve been the Spanish champion seven times and have won national titles in every age category, from Under-14 to Under-23. The most recent one came this year, in March. I’ve also broken two Spanish records. Every title means a lot to me and motivates me to keep pushing my limits and improving.

How did you get into athletics and, specifically, hurdles?

I started very young. My parents enrolled me in athletics when I was four years old after a new track was built near our home. My sister and I joined together, although I think the main idea was for me to burn off some of the endless energy I had as a child.

From the beginning, coaches noticed I had a natural talent for the sport, so I kept training and progressing. The turning point came in 2019 when I met Yidiel Contreras, who later became my coach. We met completely by chance during the summer, and he introduced me to the world of hurdles. He taught me the fundamentals of the discipline, and from that moment I knew I had found something I was passionate about.

full look ACNE STUDIOS

Hurdles combine speed, precision, and mental focus. What attracts you most about this event?

The uncertainty. Even if you have the fastest time or arrive as the favourite, anything can happen in a hurdles race. You can hit a hurdle, lose your rhythm, or make a tiny mistake that changes everything.

That’s what makes it so exciting. We’re talking about races that last a little more than thirteen seconds, where every detail matters. That combination of risk, adrenaline, and unpredictability is what I enjoy most.

How would you describe your mindset when you compete?

I’m a killer on the track.

Away from competition, I consider myself humble, approachable, and respectful. I enjoy helping others and treating everyone the same way I’d like to be treated.

But once I’m in the blocks, everything changes. During those few seconds, I don’t think about who’s next to me or what they’ve achieved. My focus is entirely on winning. There’s no fear and no hesitation. Afterwards, I’ll analyse the race and learn from it, but in the moment, there is only one goal, give everything I have to cross the finish line first.

Sport is becoming increasingly connected with fashion and culture. How do you see that relationship?

I believe they complement each other perfectly. In countries like the United States and Italy, that connection has been developing for years, and I think it has been incredibly positive. Little by little, we’re seeing the same evolution in Spain.

Personally, I’m passionate about both sport and fashion. There are different ways of expressing who you are, and I like the fact that athletes can showcase their personality beyond competition. It creates opportunities for both industries to collaborate and grow together.

full look MM6 MARTIN MARGIELA

Your visual identity is very recognisable. Has fashion always been an interest of yours?

Absolutely. One of my biggest inspirations is Lewis Hamilton. To me, he represents the perfect balance between sporting excellence and personal identity. He’s shown that you can perform at the highest level while also developing a strong presence in fashion and culture.

I’m interested in style, personal care, and the image you project. The way you present yourself communicates a lot about who you are, and that’s something I genuinely enjoy exploring.

Do you see fashion as a form of expression comparable to sport?

Yes, although sport remains the most powerful form of expression for me. Through competition, it’s easy to communicate emotions such as passion, ambition, euphoria, or frustration. Those emotions are universal.

Fashion is also a form of expression, but it’s often more subjective. People can interpret the same look in completely different ways. That’s why I see it as the perfect complement to my athletic side, another way of showing who I am.

pant, boots and belt GCDS

How do you balance discipline and pressure at such a high level of competition?

I’m fortunate to train alongside some incredibly talented athletes. Being surrounded by people who push themselves every day naturally raises your own standards. Their work ethic motivates me to bring out the best version of myself.

As for pressure, it used to affect me much more than it does now. Today, I trust the process, my coach, and the work we put in every day. I also place a lot of importance on my mental well-being and maintaining a balanced mindset.

I’ve learned that one race, one defeat, or one mistake never defines a career. What matters is how you respond and what you learn from the experience.

jacket MANS

Social media has changed the way athletes connect with audiences. How has that influenced your career?

The most rewarding part is knowing that I can inspire other people. Whenever I arrive at a competition and meet people who follow my journey, support me, or tell me that my story motivates them, I feel a real sense of responsibility.

I no longer run only for myself. I also think about the younger generation watching from the stands or through social media. If my journey inspires even one person to take up athletics, I consider that a meaningful achievement.

What challenges do young athletes face today beyond athletic performance?

One of the biggest challenges is the pressure created by social media and the constant comparison with others. We live in an era where extraordinary performances from very young athletes are shared instantly around the world. That can make many people feel as though they are behind or not progressing quickly enough.

The reality is that every athlete follows a different path. Some reach their peak at eighteen, while others do so at thirty. The pressure to succeed earlier and earlier can be damaging. Sport requires patience, consistency, and time.

shorts MOSCHINO
sunglasses MM6 MARTIN MARGIELA
shoes FENDI

Who have been your greatest inspirations?

In sport, without a doubt, Usain Bolt and Lewis Hamilton.

Bolt was the person who made me fall in love with athletics. It wasn’t only his speed, it was the way he connected with people, the energy he brought to every race, and the impact he had on the sport. He made me want to leave my own mark as well.

Lewis Hamilton inspires me because of his ability to combine elite performance with a strong cultural and personal identity.

Outside of sport, my greatest inspirations are my parents. They gave me an incredible childhood and instilled values that continue to guide me today. Everything I am is rooted in what they taught me.

What does it mean to you to represent Spain?

Representing Spain is one of the greatest honours an athlete can experience. Hearing your name while wearing the national colours is difficult to describe. It reminds you that you’re competing for something much bigger than yourself.

Every time I represent Spain, I feel a mixture of pride, responsibility, and gratitude. Winning a medal for your country is one of the greatest dreams any athlete can have because it represents millions of people, not just your own success.

full look AMIRI

Beyond competition, what are your greatest passions?

I’m passionate about any sport that involves competition. I closely follow Formula 1 and MotoGP, and I’m also very interested in fashion.

Beyond that, I love travelling. Discovering new places, spending time in nature, and disconnecting from the demands of everyday life help me recharge and find balance.

Your profile continues to grow steadily. How do you stay grounded?

I think the key is ambition. Every achievement feels more like a milestone than a destination. As soon as I reach one goal, I’m already thinking about the next challenge.

People are often surprised when they tell me I seem approachable or down-to-earth, but I genuinely see myself as a normal person. No number of followers, views, or achievements could ever make me feel superior to anyone else. That mindset keeps me focused. It reminds me that there is always more to learn, more to achieve, and more room to grow.

sunglasses MM6 MARTIN MARGIELA

TEAM CREDITS:

talent DANI CASTILLA
photographer ANDRÉS GARCÍA LUJÁN
stylist FREDDY ALONSO
hair and makeup YOS BAUTE at ONE OFF ARTISTS using ARMANI BEAUTY
styling assistant ANDREA ORTIZ
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN