MADRID, 21 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Galician triathlete Iván Raña became this Wednesday the first Spanish athlete to enter the ‘Hall of Fame’ of the International Triathlon Federation, World Triathlon, during an event prior to the Finals of the World Series this weekend in Pontevedra.
Raña, a pioneer of this sport at the national level, was crowned the first Spanish world champion in 2002 and also achieved two other European champion titles and a gold in the Aquathlon World Cup, in addition to multiple victories in other events and three participations. in the Olympic Games, in which he finished fifth on two occasions (Sydney 2000 and Beijing 2008).
“It was very nice and the previous speech by Javi Gómez Noya, whom I have known for more than twenty years, moved me. I can only say thank you and it is very special that they give me the Hall of Fame here in Pontevedra, in my house” said Raña during the gala held at the Pontevedra casino.
In addition, the president of the Spanish Triathlon Federation, José Hidalgo, joined in recognizing Raña. “I have been especially excited, because I saw Iván Raña grow from the beginning until he became a leader in triathlon worldwide. He had to be the first to receive this award because he was the first to pave the way for the Spanish trialthon, he was a pioneer,” he said.