Before the Paragliding World Championships started in Roldanillo we interviewed a few of the less well known pilots in a bid to get to know them better. We’ll be running a few of those interviews here on XCmag.com during the competition.
Seb Ospina at the Paragliding World Championships 2015, Roldanillo, Colombia. Photo: James Pagram
We kick off with Juan Sebastian Ospina, 25, better known to all as Seb. A Colombian who flies for Britain, he’s also Cross Country’s sponsored pilot in the competition.
Job: Tandem pilot
Sponsors: Cross Country Magazine (Subcriptions and various free products) Ozone Paragliders (glider) BHPA (Expenses and fees for the team)
Facebook page: Sebas Ospina Paragliding
Equipment during the comp
Wing: Ozone Enzo 2
Harness: Kortell Kanibal Race 2
Technology: XCTrainer, Naviter
Years flying: 10 years , started in 2004 age 14
Where did you learn? Started in Ansermanuevo (40ks North of Rolda). I was brought to the sport by a cousin.
When did you do your first competition? 2006 Copa Buenavista, Quindio. Came ninth overall with a seven year old beginner glider.
Achievements in the sport
2006
9th Copa Buenavista
3rd Serial Class Copa Ansermanuevo
1st Serial Class Copa Atmoxfera
2007
1st Junior Class Pre World Cup Roldanillo
2010
First participation in a World Cup (Portugal) also youngest pilot in the event
Best Newcomer to the British Championship
2013
Colombian National Champion
22nd World Cup Turkey
24th World Cup Superfinal in Brazil
2014
8th Pre World Championships Roldanillo
British Team Member at the European Championships, Serbia
Personal best XC distance: 128 km at a competition in Rolda back in 2010. At the time it was the record to a declared goal in Colombia
Best moments in paragliding?
The first time I reached goal was very special as most of my friends were flying with me.
Soaring at night with a full moon doing wagga and playing with friends. It was also my birthday.
Sharing the National Champion Title with my best friend and long time rival Julian Carreño after seven days of pure racing with friends.
Any lows?
At the end of 2007 I moved to the UK where I knew no one, lived far from any flying site and had no glider – the worst nine months of my life. Eventually I slowly managed to get flying again and was welcomed by the Brits as one of their own, I learned so much from them.
What is the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you in paragliding?
I once had a passenger throw up four times during a very rough flight – he nearly passed out. It wasn’t funny then but it certainly is now ☺
Scariest?
Probably flying into one of the fires from the sugar cane plantations in Colombia.
Who is your money on for the Worlds?
Generally most of the top pilots and legends are present, not to mention that the top countries brought their A game. There are about 30 or 40 pilots that could win the comp so is really hard to chose one but I like to think I am one of those pilots. From the women I believe that Seiko Fukuoka and my team mate Kirsty Cameron have what it takes to win.
From the countries my favourites are: UK, Colombia, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland.
Describe yourself in 10 words or less…
Not the best but committed to be the best.
And how would your friends describe you?
Persistent, Passionate, Young.
What makes Roldanillo special?
I have been flying Rolda since 2006. What makes Rolda special is that it is every pilot’s dream come true: warm weather, fluffy thermals, wide valley, good roads, reliable conditions, grassy takeoff and beautiful women.
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