Special coverage presented by the International Surfing Association - All photos: Evans/Reed

Two weeks ago, Aitor Gallo Francesena won his second world championship title, his fourth medal in four world championships, and placed his name as the best blind surfer in the world and in the history of adapted surfing championships.

It is impressive to see Gallo surf, to see him in photos, it seems like he sees everything when in reality he is only guided by the reading that all his senses, except sight, give him.

A surfer much loved throughout Spain answered these questions while he recovers from Covid-19, which he believes he contracted before going to the World Championship.

What do you think was the key to another victory?
Once again it was about working logically as much as possible, both technically, physically and tactically.

Having won two titles and always being on the podium puts you in the position of one of the best blind surfers in the world. What do you think has been the secret?
Being able to see surfing up to six years ago gives me an advantage over others with visual impairments.

Could you please share how you feel the wave, what it's like to surf a wave without seeing. It's surely an endless number of sensations.
As you say, it's all about sensations, and to have a wide range of sensations, you have to surf with all types of waves.

On the other hand, you have been seen doing some good maneuvers, what is the key to knowing when to hit?
Feel the speed and test the verticality of the wall or the escape and thus know when to give it a go and know what maneuver to do.

The role of your companion is certainly key. Could you tell us what your teamwork in the water consists of?
Right now my surfing partner is called Lucas García, from Asturias, a great surfer and competitor who chooses very good waves and that is enough to make my surfing easier.

At the awards ceremony you kept shouting “Lourenço!”… Why was that?
Because Lourenço is the manager of the Spanish surfing federation and this year he has made a big bet on taking 14 participants when that has an incredible cost and thanks to him Spain has been world team champion.

How did you lose your sight?
When I was 14, I lost my right eye because I was born with congenital glaucoma and six years ago I had a corneal transplant in my left eye and one day when I was entering the water, I fell from top to bottom into a wave and my left eye burst, which is how I went blind.

It may sound like a silly question, but how has your life changed in general terms and in relation to surfing?
Well, as you can imagine, it is a sudden and very big change, but there is no other option in this life than to move forward and learn from new situations.

What's next? More titles? Surfing Pipe?
Of course, I want to win as many world championships as possible, and when I have won a few, one day I want to take my daughter Uxue with me and use her eyes to win another world championship.

You are very popular with all Spanish surfers, why do you think that is?
That question excites me a lot. I have dedicated my whole life to surfing and I think I have given everything to this sport and I think that shows.

Who do you dedicate your second gold medal to?
I dedicate it to my daughter Uxue.

How do you think you got the coronavirus?
Probably on the outbound flight to the United States at the Madrid airport.

Aren't you afraid that you might have infected other competitors?
Do you think that if I had known that I was infected I would have gone to the United States? My answer is no and the last thing I would want to do is infect anyone.

How and when did you realize you were infected?
On Sunday, March 15, upon returning to Madrid from the United States, I felt a very strong chill and realized I had a fever.

How are you feeling?
Every day is better after all the bad times I've been through.