#005 - How the Olympic Games leave their mark on you

We have had the honour of sitting down with Coti Teves and Diego Domínguez , two Olympic athletes who represented Spain at the Paris 2024 Games.

Listening to their stories made us reflect on what the word “effort” means. Because, although sport and business may seem like different worlds, the parallels are inevitable.

When they told us what their daily life was like before arriving in Paris, we couldn't help but imagine those early mornings, the long hours of training and, above all, the moments of doubt.

That feeling of “what if I don’t make it?” that we have felt so many times at Pilatus. Like them, every step we have taken since we started in 2017 has been full of difficult decisions, painful failures and small triumphs that have driven us to continue.

What struck us most about their experience was how they defined success.

Coti told us something that left its mark on us: “Success is not found on the podium, it is found in being true to your values, in not giving up on what really matters.” That phrase resonated within us because Pilatus was born from exactly that: from not giving up on anything. We wanted to design products that were useful, beautiful and sustainable, but above all, that reflected a lifestyle in which everything can coexist. A job that you are passionate about, a family that supports you, a purpose that inspires you.

Diego reminded us of the importance of the process. “When I look back, every hard day was a preparation for this.” That mindset is something we try to apply to everything we do. When we look back at the first backpacks we designed, the hours we doubted if this would really take off, and the moments when it seemed easier to give up, we realize that it was all worth it to get here.

There were also moments of laughter in the conversation. They told us anecdotes from the Olympic Village, how a simple coffee with a colleague from another country could become an unforgettable moment. Or, without going any further, meeting Carlos Alcaraz or Rafa Nadal in an elevator.

Those little things that seem irrelevant on a day-to-day basis, but end up being the most important memories.

We left that talk with a feeling of gratitude. Gratitude for them, who inspired us with their discipline and passion. Gratitude for our community, which pushes us to be better every day. And gratitude for this journey that began with a dream and continues to grow today.

For us, Paris didn't just mean collaborating on the Olympic Games. It meant being part of stories like Coti and Diego's, which remind us why we started all this. So this Journey #005 isn't just ours. It's theirs, every person who rides a Pilatus and decides to face their own challenge.

Thank you, Coti and Diego, for reminding us that true victory is not at the finish line, but in the journey.

With all the love in the world,
Alex and Rodri, founders of Pilatus.