In a captivating episode of “The Joy of Padel,” host Minter Dial sits down with Xan Tafernaberry, a sports enthusiast turned Padel aficionado and editor-in-chief of Padel Magazine. This insightful conversation reveals the unexpected journey of a Basque man who discovered his love for Padel later in life and transformed it into both a passion and a career.
Who is Xan Tafernaberry
Xan’s story begins in the picturesque Basque village of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, where his love for sports blossomed. Despite trying his hand at various activities, including basketball, rugby, and kickboxing, Xan humorously admits that “sports not really have always loved me.” It wasn’t until he was 27 that he stumbled upon Padel, a sport that would change the trajectory of his life.
In an amusing twist of fate, Xan’s introduction to Padel came through a Groupon deal – a detail that sets him apart in the Padel community. This chance encounter quickly evolved into an addiction, with Xan and his friends betting on matches and playing as often as possible. Within six years, he climbed the ranks to become one of the top 300 players in France, an impressive feat for a late starter.
The interview takes an intriguing turn as Xan shares a nail-biting anecdote from one of his tournament matches. Playing against technically superior opponents, Xan and his partner found themselves facing multiple match points. Through a combination of determination, luck, and perhaps a touch of mischief, they managed to clinch victory in the most unlikely fashion. This story not only highlights the unpredictable nature of Padel but also showcases the sport’s ability to level the playing field between players of different skill levels.
Padel Magazine’s Xan Tafernaberry
As the conversation shifts to Xan’s role at Padel Magazine, we learn about the publication’s humble beginnings and growth into a multilingual platform. Xan’s candid admission about the challenges of automatic translation adds a humorous touch to the discussion of global Padel coverage.
Throughout the interview, Xan’s passion for Padel shines through, whether discussing his favorite professional players or explaining how the sport has helped him develop patience both on and off the court. His journey from a rugby player who couldn’t quite master tennis to a respected figure in the Padel world is both inspiring and relatable.
This episode of “The Joy of PADEL” offers a delightful mix of personal anecdotes, insights into the sport’s growth, and the infectious enthusiasm of a true PADEL convert. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, Xan’s story is sure to resonate and perhaps even inspire you to pick up a PADEL racket yourself.
To dive deeper into Xan’s PADEL journey and hear more captivating stories from the world of PADEL, be sure to listen to the full episode. It’s a serve you won’t want to miss!
