EKAITZ SAIES

As part of my new project, The Champion’s Diary, I will share some exciting recipes designed for athletes. There’s a word from my mother tongue, Euskara—the oldest living language in Europe—that I’ve carried with me all my life.That word is sasoiko. It means two things at once: strong, full of life, at your best—and of…

Long before performance metrics and leadership frameworks, Basque communities had a simple principle that kept them alive and thriving: Auzolan. It was the act of coming together to repair, build, or improve what belonged to everyone, a practice grounded in responsibility, shared effort, and visible contribution. Today, that same principle offers a lens for high-performing…

Mikel Arteta and I entered the world in the same year and the same month, our childhoods unfolding along the same streets of San Sebastián. We kicked balls across the same beach, and according to friends, we even played in the same youth league — though, truthfully, I don’t remember ever lining up against him…

Years ago, when I used to travel to the UK, the porridge I tried in hotels was always bland and boring. However, when I moved here, I started experimenting with simple recipes like this one. Now I love a steaming, gentle porridge in the morning — comforting, filling, and perfect to fuel the day ahead.…

I’m excited to announce the release of The Champion’s Mindset: The Four Seasons of Mental Preparation — a practical, experience-driven guide to elevating your mental game. This book is the result of more than 20 years spent competing as an elite athlete, coaching at the highest level, and leading performance programmes, combined with the latest scientific research.…