Juan Manuel Azpróz, popularly known as Chiquito de Aya or Aiako Txikia , was a prominent runner born and raised in Aya (Aia), Gipuzkoa, Basque Country. His life and career are deeply linked to his hometown, where he spent all his days and earned the affection and respect of his neighbors for his affable character, his humility and his uprightness in daily life.
Sports career
Chiquito de Aya rose to fame primarily for his exploits in Basque popular athletics at the beginning of the 20th century. The pinnacle of his career came in 1924, when he won the prestigious Behobia-San Sebastián, one of the region's most iconic races, with a commanding victory and a time of 1:14:22. In that edition, the finish line was located in front of the Gran Kursaal in Donostia, and only 37 runners participated, a far cry from the thousands who compete today.
In addition to his victory in Behobia, Aiako Txikia was the protagonist of numerous race challenges and bets, a tradition deeply rooted in the Basque culture of the time. On several occasions, he faced other renowned runners and athletes, such as Inazio Go i (Amezketako artzaina) and Braulio Olaskoaga, emerging victorious in most of them. Particularly noteworthy were his duels with Klaudio Ega a, known as Aizarnako Txikia, with whom he competed on two memorable occasions: in Azpeitia (1928, 14 km) and in Donostia (1931, 25 km), both with victory for the Aiako Txikia and with the bullrings packed with spectators.
Personality and daily life
Beyond his sporting career, Juan Manuel Azproz was known for his down-to-earth and polite nature. The owner of a farmhouse in Aia, he used to tend to the livestock in the mornings before heading to the local tavern, where he shared wine and cigarettes with his friends, always in an atmosphere of respect and camaraderie. He was a man of steady habits and great punctuality, highly regarded by his neighbors.
Legacy
The nickname Txiki or Txikito is common in many Basque towns, but Aiako Txikia stands out for his contribution to popular sport and for having been a leading figure in his community. His victory in the 1924 Behobia-Donostia race earned him a recognition that lives on in the collective memory of Aia and Basque athletics fans.
"Gizon osatua, edukazioz jantzia eta umila genuen Joan Manuel. Egunerokoan ere zuzena... Orduari errespeto izugarria zion inoiz ahaztuko ez dugunak."
%u2014 I aki Iturain, Oroimenaren Kutxa, 2024
Juan Manuel Azpróz, Chiquito de Aya , is remembered as a symbol of the sporting tradition and human values of rural Gipuzkoa of his time.