González trains at the High Performance Centre in Sant Cugat, Spain. He represents the Universidad Catolica de Murcia (UCAM) club. His national coach is Antonio Toledo, who has been instrumental in shaping his career.

Career Influences and Philosophy

González credits his family and manager as the most influential people in his career. His sporting philosophy is simple yet powerful: "Never give up." This motto has guided him through various challenges and successes.

Injuries and Recovery

In December 2015, González injured his patella ligament during a competition in Mexico, sidelining him for two months. Earlier, he tore the cruciate ligament in his left knee at the 2013 World Championships in Puebla, Mexico. Despite trying to avoid surgery, he eventually underwent the procedure in December 2013 and returned to elite competition by October 2014.

Awards and Achievements

González received the National Taekwondo Prize from the Spanish Olympic Committee in 2013 and 2015. In 2010, he was named Spanish University Athlete of the Year. These accolades reflect his dedication and skill in taekwondo.

Olympic Success

González made history by becoming the first Spanish taekwondo athlete to win gold at the Olympic Games. He achieved this feat in the flyweight category at the 2012 London Games. Ahead of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, he moved up to the featherweight division, seeking new challenges.

Beyond Taekwondo

When unable to train due to injuries, González often plays chess to keep his strategic mind sharp. He finds great satisfaction in seeing new strategies work on the chessboard. Additionally, he has contributed to investigations into illegal betting in Spanish football.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, González aims to continue excelling in taekwondo while balancing his academic pursuits. His journey from a young athlete at his father's gym to an Olympic gold medallist serves as an inspiration for many aspiring athletes.