Leire Sainz: Basque Sprint Athlete and Fitness Professional
Leire Sainz Lezea is a Spanish track and field athlete from Donostia (San Sebastián) who specializes in sprint events. Representing Atlético San Sebastián, she combines competitive athletics with studies in physiotherapy and sports science, positioning herself as a multifaceted athlete-professional in the Basque Country’s strong sporting tradition.
Track and Field Accomplishments
Sainz competes primarily in the 100 meters and 200 meters as a member of Atlético San Sebastián, one of the Basque Country’s most prestigious multi-sport clubs founded in 1958. Throughout her youth and junior career, she has represented her club and region at Spanish national championships.
At the Spanish U18 Championships, she finished sixth in her event, demonstrating her ability to compete among Spain’s top youth sprinters. As she progressed to the U20 category, she placed 14th at the Spanish U20 Championships held in Antequera, reflecting her steady development through Spain’s youth athletics system.
Sainz also has connections to Real Sociedad’s athletics program, reflecting the interconnected nature of Basque sports institutions that support athlete development in the region.
Education and Career Development
Sainz is pursuing dual degrees in Physiotherapy (Fisioterapia) and Sports Science (CAFYD – Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte). This demanding combination provides comprehensive knowledge of both therapeutic treatment and athletic performance enhancement. Balancing two degree programs with competitive athletics requires exceptional time management and discipline, skills that will serve her well in future professional endeavors.
Beyond her competitive career, Sainz has already begun building her professional identity in fitness and coaching. She serves as a trainer for the Oysho Running Club, where she leads group workouts and designs training programs for recreational runners. This role allows her to gain practical coaching experience while sharing her passion for running with the broader community.
Sainz has established a professional training platform (@lele.training) where she shares expertise in athletics, training methodology, and fitness. This platform helps build her professional brand and creates opportunities for coaching and consultation services. She has also developed a partnership with Green Corner Sport, a sports nutrition company, demonstrating her growing presence in the fitness community.
Personal Interests and Background
Based in Donostia (San Sebastián), Sainz is deeply rooted in Basque culture and the vibrant sports tradition of this coastal region. San Sebastián is renowned for its beaches, cuisine, and strong emphasis on outdoor activities and community sports, creating an ideal environment for her athletic and professional development.
Sainz’s approach to wellness extends beyond pure athletic performance. Her interests include running, strength training, mental wellness, dance, and personal expression, reflecting a holistic view of health that encompasses physical training, mental health, and life balance. This comprehensive approach aligns with contemporary understandings of optimal performance and human flourishing.
With a growing social media following, Sainz actively engages with the athletics and fitness community, sharing training insights, competition experiences, and professional services. Her digital presence serves both personal branding purposes and creates opportunities for professional growth in coaching and fitness consulting.
Future Potential
As a young sprinter still developing through junior and U23 categories, Sainz has significant potential for continued athletic improvement. Her dual educational path in physiotherapy and sports science, combined with coaching experience and professional brand development, creates numerous career possibilities beyond competitive athletics including sports physiotherapy, strength and conditioning coaching, running coaching, fitness consulting, or sports club management.
Sainz represents a modern approach to athletic participation that combines competitive pursuit with thoughtful preparation for life beyond sport. Her work building professional credentials while competing demonstrates strategic career planning and recognition that athletic careers require forward-thinking preparation for future transitions.
Conclusion
Leire Sainz embodies the contemporary athlete-professional who balances competitive athletics with education and career development. As a sprint athlete from San Sebastián pursuing dual degrees while coaching and building a professional fitness platform, she represents a thoughtful approach to athletic careers that recognizes the importance of preparation for life beyond competition. Rooted in the Basque Country’s strong sports culture, Sainz carries forward regional athletic traditions while charting a path that positions her for long-term success in sports, health sciences, and fitness industries.
Go Leire!
