Santos grew up in a poor neighbourhood in the Dominican Republic. He often trained barefoot due to a lack of resources, which sometimes caused his feet to bleed. Despite these hardships, he persevered and began his journey in athletics.

International Debut and Career Highlights

In 2011, Santos made his international debut at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, representing the Dominican Republic. His career has been marked by several accolades, including being named Male Sportsperson of the Decade (2010-2019) by Diario Libre and Overall Athlete of the Year in 2015 by the Sports Writers' Association of Santo Domingo.

Challenges and Injuries

Santos faced significant challenges during his career. In early 2011, he suffered a left hamstring injury that hindered his training for five months. Later that year, a muscle injury in his left leg prevented him from finishing the 400m final at the Central American and Caribbean Championships and forced him to miss the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea.

Coaching and Inspirations

Since 2019, Santos has been coached by Felix Sanchez. He looks up to Sanchez and US sprinter Jeremy Wariner as his idols. Santos believes that sport is a source of passion, pride, and an opportunity to represent his country on the global stage.

Family and Personal Life

Santos resides in Santo Domingo with his partner Maria Mancebo and their daughters Luguelys Lileth (born 2013) and Yrmair (born 2020). His family has a strong athletic background; his younger brother Juander competes internationally in sprinting and hurdles, while another brother, Juan Aroldi, represented the Dominican Republic at the 2017 World Relay Championships. Maria Mancebo won the 3000m steeplechase at the 2014 Ibero-American Championships.

Education and Language Skills

Santos is also a student pursuing Sport Studies at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. He is fluent in both English and Spanish, which aids him in his international engagements.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Santos aims to continue competing at high levels. His immediate goal is to participate in upcoming international competitions, further solidifying his status as a top athlete from the Dominican Republic.

Santos's journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes worldwide. His dedication and resilience highlight the transformative impact of sports on individuals' lives.