From injury to triumph: Aspiring triathlete and cyclist dream big

While mainstream sports like soccer, basketball and volleyball may dominate the spotlight at Point Loma Nazarene University, countless student-athletes excel in less recognized disciplines, showcasing talent, perseverance and passion. PLNU is a school of outdoor-loving, active young adults; it houses ultramarathoners, cyclists, triathletes and climbers. These sports bring students together: clubs form, friendships are built and activity-related trips are taken. 

Some of these athletes possess dreams of being among the elite. Alejandro ‘Bicho’ Soler Lopez, a first-year sports nutrition major, aspires to be a professional triathlete. Soler Lopez trains every day, whether it be swimming, biking or running, to achieve his dream of being the number one triathlete of this generation. 

Soler Lopez wants to break records and outperform those who are now considered the best of the best. 

“The bigger the better,” Soler Lopez said. “I don’t do goals; I do dreams.”

Soler Lopez’s passion for running started as a love-hate relationship with cross country. After graduating high school, he went to Guatemala to volunteer at a mission where he fell in love with running again. There, he was also introduced to swimming. Shortly after returning to the United States, he competed in a half Ironman with his cousin. 

In one of the four half Ironmans he has competed in, Soler Lopez was knocked off his bike and broke his wrist. The injury took a toll on him mentally, he said, especially because it meant being away from the sport that he created an identity around.

 This injury allowed Soler Lopez to understand for the first time that he truly loves this sport. 

“Leaving because [of] the injury made me come back stronger,” Soler Lopez said. 

To recover and remain mentally stable during the time of his injury, Soler Lopez would compensate by walking to get fresh air, he said. He would also watch YouTube to learn from other people’s experiences. 

Jared Lucero, a second-year business marketing major, is a road cyclist whose passion started in childhood when he rode BMX (bicycle motocross), a cycle racing sport on dirt tracks.

An accident where he was hit by a car when biking in September of 2020 left Lucero unable to walk with a broken pelvis and foot.  

“One day, I was out with two friends where a lady sped through a traffic light while I was slowly rolling across the crosswalk,” he said. “She hit me going about 40 mph and absolutely just smashed my lower body.”

“Bikes brought me happiness and comfort,” he said. “My entire outlook on life completely changed.” 

After his accident, he stayed away from being active and refused to get his driver’s license because of fear of being on the road. Two years later, Lucero was diagnosed with PTSD from the accident. 

“The accident itself had changed my entire perspective on life because of me recognizing my mortality,” Lucero said.

Through therapy, he was able to overcome his fear of being vulnerable on the road. Lucero competed in six races last year and said he plans on doing more this year. 

Lucero said his ultimate goal is to become a professional cyclist in Europe – a path few Americans, especially Mexican Americans, have taken. He wants to achieve this by focusing on moving up the ranks in the United States. He plans to race at the collegiate national championship by next year.

Lucero started the cycling club at PLNU in the spring semester of 2024 and met Soler Lopez the following fall semester at the PLNU club fair, who then became an involved member.

They bonded over their passion for bikes and because riding gets lonely, they now ride together sometimes, Lucero said.

“We’ve gone and driven to Mt. Palomar and climbed it together, as well as other training rides,” Lucero said. “It’s nice to have someone to ride with after being a solo rider for so long.”

The club advisor, Jim Daichendt, PLNU vice provost and dean of the colleges, explains the passion Lucero and Soler Lopez have for their sports: “Their excitement when sharing new routes, and their eagerness to inspire others to join the club,” he said in an email interview.

As a supporter of the club, Daichendt’s vision for it is optimistic. He said he wants to provide opportunities for people to learn to bike, explore San Diego and bring people for group rides. 

“This year, we aim to strengthen the community among PLNU students, staff and faculty who share a love for cycling,” he said. “Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, we want to create a welcoming space for everyone to ride and connect.”

Lucero spends around 15 to 20 hours a week on the bike and two to five strength training. Soler Lopez spends about 10 to 12 hours a week swimming, biking and running. 

The creation of the cycling club, in Lucero’s eyes, is to compete against other schools across California.

“I also just wanted to find other people to ride and train with since we all have our own separate goals,” Lucero said.