MADRID, 19 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Encarnación Hernández, known as ‘the girl with the hook’ and one of the great pioneers of Spanish basketball due to her importance in breaking down many barriers, died this Monday in Barcelona at the age of 105, as confirmed by her family.
“We regret to inform you that our dear Encarna has left us today, Monday. Curious, funny, genius, generous, long-lived, athletic, with an enviable memory. We lack characters to be able to talk about her. Thank you, Encarna, for everything. And thanks to therefore your family. RIP,” his family said on social media.
The Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) also expressed its regret for the loss of a key figure in the sport of the basket, especially in the women’s field. “The FEB wants to convey its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Encarnación Hernández. Rest in peace,” she stressed.
According to the organization, Hernández was one of the promoters and founders of Club Atlas, and later joined the dean club, Club Esportiu Laietà, with which in 1936 he won the first women’s Catalan championship, and retired at the age of 36. at FC Barcelona.
In 2013, she received a heartfelt tribute from the FEB and in 2016, under the direction and script of Raquel Barrera, a documentary about her figure was released, entitled ‘La niña del gancho’ for her ability to execute this movement in the track and in which his entire career was reviewed.
The ACB also fired Hernández, whom it thanked “for everything you have done for basketball”, and the president of the Higher Sports Council (CSD), José Manuel Franco, recalled that he was “a historical and exemplary figure of sport women’s basketball in Spain”, to which the organization awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit, and who “had to overcome many barriers to promote women’s basketball”.