Gabriel Rueda, born in 1991 in El Candado Grande, a remote rural area of Salta, overcame significant challenges to become both a nuclear engineer and an accomplished ultramarathon runner, according to an April 11 announcement. Growing up without electricity, running water, or local stores, Rueda’s family relied on farming and raising animals for survival.
His early education took place in a small school with only twelve students. Rather than viewing these circumstances as obstacles, Rueda said they became personal challenges that motivated him. “No hay que mirar tanto las trabas, sino escuchar a aquellos que te incentivaron,” he said.
A turning point for Rueda was his participation in mathematics olympiads during his school years. This experience opened new opportunities and eventually led him to earn a degree as a Nuclear Engineer from the prestigious Instituto Balseiro de Bariloche.
Rueda did not limit himself to academic pursuits. He developed a passion for trail running—mountain races—that brought him to compete at demanding events across Europe. He now lives in Barcelona where he continues his professional career while gaining recognition as one of the leading ultramarathon runners globally.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Rueda credits the discipline of walking long distances and the resilience built from rural life as key factors behind his success both in science and sports. His story serves as an example that background does not determine destiny and highlights how public education combined with personal effort can enable individuals from humble beginnings to achieve global recognition.
