Lincoln learner is a National Padel Champion!

Middle School student Oliver Dick won his first national padel tournament and is now the number one player in Argentina in the under-12 category! Get to know one of our self-navigators. 

“When we lost the first match and thought everything was over we didn’t back down and kept going mentally and physically.” That’s how Oliver Dick, a Grade 6 student at Lincoln, remembers his experience in the National Tournament organized by the Asociación de Pádel Argentino. From March 21 to 25, Oliver and his teammate, Jorgito Prelli Barquet, competed in the prestigious event held across Cipolletti and Neuquén. The duo rose to the top and were crowned the number one padel players in Argentina in the under-12 category!

“The win is special and speaks about how well Oliver and Jorgito get along; how synergized their relationship is in and out the court,” shared Vanesa, Oliver’s mother. With Jorgito being from Tucumán and Oliver living in Buenos Aires, they only play together in the tournaments around the country. Despite not being able to train together as a couple, their connection shines when faced with challenges. 

Now, Oliver is preparing for FIP Promises Chicago, an international tournament led by the International Padel Federation. From April 18 to 20, he will compete to qualify for the  World Padel Championship for Minors 2025 representing the United States of America. Before, he played at the World Championship for minors in 2023, but because he was only 10 years old, he competed in a non promotional category. And although he is only 12, he'll play in the sub-14 category. 

“This has been the result of three years of taking him all over the country to play, consistent training, responsibility, and most of all passion for this sport,” added Vanesa. His journey started when he was 9 years old when he used to play at Racket Tennis Club. Nowadays, to stay sharp on the game, Oliver trains three times a week at the Avant Gym and Pádel Club, while also working on his core and flexibility strength with a Physical Education coach in Villa Del Parque. And on Sundays, he keeps training with his dad at the Racket Club. 

So, how did the experience go? How did Oliver team up with Jorgito, a fellow athlete from Tucumán? We interviewed Oliver to get to know his padel journey, his inspirations, and his plans for the future. 

What were some of the most challenging moments you faced while competing in this tournament and how did you two overcome it?

When we lost the first match and thought everything was over we didn’t back down and kept going mentally and physically. I met Jorgito in a national tournament here in Argentina. We had a really good connection and became really good friends later on in 2024. We decided that we were going to play together since we had the same goals. We have the same values, we respect each other and keep our families close to learn from our elders and get more experienced.

What drove you to start playing padel professionally?

I have a big passion for padel and I decided that this was my dream. I love playing this sport. Padel drove me to many new experiences, new friendships, and growth, and taking it to a professional level only makes it better and feels like a perfect match! I also love traveling so being able to travel, train, and play is the life I choose to have for myself when my education is over. 

What are your goals for the future of your padel career?

My short-term goal for my padel career is to stay at the top of the national Argentine ranking this year, which is not easy since I will miss a few dates because of traveling to play FIP tournaments. Also, I want to keep a good relationship on and off the court with my teammate and join the US team for the World Padel Championship for Minors 2025. 

How are you preparing for the international tournament in Chicago?

By training almost daily and keeping good physical health. I have cut down to zero sugar and it has really helped me improve my court speed and performance.  I am also taking advantage of the sessions with my sports psychologist to boost my mental health and confidence and speak about things that worry me. 

What drives you to continue pushing yourself to the top of your game?

Seeing players such as Franco "Stupa" Stupaczuk, Agustín Tapia, and Alejandro Galán inspired me to become the best version of myself. I have met many of them, some are rising stars and others are in the top 5. Still, all of them are humble, grateful, and just good people all around…that makes me want to stay at the top of my game and one day follow in their footsteps.