MADRID, 7 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Royal Spanish Swimming Federation (RFEN) held its annual gala this Friday in which it recognized its most outstanding athletes, such as the men’s and women’s water polo teams, world and European champions, as well as other types of tributes, such as the delivery of the ‘Values’ award to Teresa Perales.
The gala, which took place at the headquarters of the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) in Madrid, was attended by the president of the RFEN, Fernando Carpena; the president of the LEN (European Federation), Antonio Silva; the president of the International Swimming Federation (FINA), Hussain Al-Musallam, and the president of the COE, Alejandro Blanco.
The Aragonese swimmer Teresa Perales, winner of 27 Paralympic medals in six Games and the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, received the award for sports values, yet another recognition for one of the most successful athletes on the entire Spanish scene in what is a special tribute, because the highest authorities in world swimming were present.
“Today is a special day, that I am aware of what it means, of the entire trajectory that lies behind it. I am very happy, I hope that this is the beginning of a great friendship, hopefully that this future, which is already more present than future , can keep us together on the road and enjoy competitions together,” said Perales, who opened the door to new advances in terms of inclusion in swimming.
The president of the RFEN, Fernando Carpena, was “tremendously proud that for the first time in history” the presidents of FINA and LEN were together with Spanish swimming, and acknowledged that he had experienced “unforgettable moments” thanks to the award-winning athletes . He also stressed that “very important steps are being taken in what society demands”, such as “gender equality” or inclusion.
In addition, Carpena sent a message of “collaboration” focused on all the actors of Spanish swimming in the “difficult” moments they are experiencing, “especially due to the energy crisis.” “Between all of us we have to find solutions, because we have to continue at this level,” he added.
For his part, Blanco wanted to make “three recognitions” to the presidents of RFEN, FINA and LEN for their work, and stressed that sometimes “proximity” does not allow people to “be aware” of the successes. “In this RFEN gala, teams and athletes who are among the best in the world have passed through here, let’s not forget what they represent”, commented the president of the COE.
The president of FINA, Hussain Al-Musallam, recognized the “honor” of the invitation and, after congratulating the Spanish athletes, he wished them “good results in the future”, while the president of the LEN, Antonio Silva, put in value that “swimming on the European continent is progressing” and that “in a few years it will be the greatest power, if it is not yet, at the world level”.
“We must value the inclusion of an athlete with a disability in a Federation, it is the future. We are doing it in LEN, in FINA, and all together we will be able to do aquatic activities,” said the Portuguese.
During the gala, former water polo player Marta Bach and former players Marc Minguell, Iñaki Aguilar and Dani López Pinedo, all of whom recently retired after achieving many successes with the Spanish women’s team, were awarded the RFEN gold and diamond badge. as masculine.
The medal for sporting merit was also awarded to the men’s water polo team, world champion in Budapest, to the women’s team, European champion in Split, to the swimmer María de Valdés, silver in open water at the 2022 European Championships, to the medalists artistic swimming Fernando Díaz del Río, Emma García and Pau Ribes and the Highlight team, world bronze last June.
The world champion and triple European champion Mikel Boldosola was also recognized with the award for master’s activities and the 97 athletes who have won medals this year in lower categories, both individually and collectively in the European and World Cups played.
For the second year, the RFEN also announced the incorporation of new members to the Spanish swimming hall of fame. On this occasion, that honor went to swimmers Santiago Esteva, Sergi López, Nina Zhivanevskaya, Mari Paz Corominas and former water polo player Jordi Sans.
Also present at the event were some of the actors from the film ’42 seconds’, which recalls one of the great successes of Spanish water polo, and featured live music through a performance by the artist St Woods.