MADRID, 17 Mar. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Hispanic-Georgian fighter Ilia Topuria, the Olympic and Paralympic champions in the Paris 2024, Real Madrid, Palist Saúl Craviotto and swimmer Teresa Perales have been honored, among others, this Monday at the XLIV National Gala of the Spanish Sports Press Association (AEPD) at the Calderón de Valladolid Theater.
The first to collect the award was Topuria, world UFC champion in the pen weight category. “I have changed weight, we have on the horizon the conquest of another division. We are in the fight to get a fight in Spain. I have no doubt that I will have the opportunity to shine in front of all my people in Spain,” he said.
The marchers María Pérez and Álvaro Martín, already retired and absent at the gala, who managed to complete the ‘triple crown’ -europeo, world and games- in Paris, they also received their award. “Reality has overcome my dream. I feel lucky to have achieved those two medals, one of them with Álvaro,” said Granada, who collected the prize with his coach, Jacinto Garzón. “In the Tokyo World Cup we can say goodbye to the discipline of the 20 and 35 with a medal,” he wanted.
The president of the Royal Spanish Swimming Federation (RFEN), Fernando Carpena, was in charge of receiving the award for the Spanish Waterpolo team, current Olympic Champion, while the president of the Spanish Paralympic Committee Ten, Sergio Garrote, Daniel Molina, Susana Rodríguez and Yassine Ouhdadi.
The emblematic regatista Jane Abascal received the trophy for the Olympic Vela Botín and Florián Trittel champions, and Jordan Díaz took the stage to be honored by his gold in triple jump in Paris 2024.
The vice president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) Sergio Merchán picked up the award for the Male Olympic champion soccer team in Paris and for the absolute, winner of the Eurocup 2024. The Spanish women’s soccer coach, Montse Tomé, took the award for the National Team. “This is the result of a lot of work of these incredible soccer players,” he said.
The former soccer player Eusebio Sacristán, was also honored by the work of his inclusive sport foundation, like Real Madrid, champion of the Champions League and LaLiga EA Sports. “This award is a recognition of work, effort and the desire to overcome this club. Among we are all able to create an energy that allows us to go far. Our nature is always the same; Real Madrid always aspires to win absolutely everything, even if it is difficult,” said the director of Institutional Relations of Real Madrid, Emilio Butragueño.
In addition, the International César Carballeira picked up the awards for Spanish hockey selections on male and female skates, world champions.
The swimmer Teresa Perales, the most laureate Paralympic medalist, was also recognized. “I never thought I would become a little fish, this medium, the water, has led me to live the best moments of my life. This last medal cost me, it is the most adjusted in my sports career, two hundredths. Michael Phelps matched again, which I had between eyebrow and eyebrow. Now I think of Los Angeles, it is difficult not impossible,” he said.
Behind her, the canoeist Saúl Craviotto, the athlete with more Olympic medals. “I am who I am thanks to my team. My coach has been since day 1,” he said. “In sport, the maximum of what can be aspired to go to games, win a medal and be flag bearer, but I said it with a small mouth. The top of Olympism is the princess of Asturias,” he said.
His companions and ex -partners Marcus Cooper, Rodrigo Germade and Cristian Toro; the K4 coach, Miguel García; and the president of the Royal Spanish Paragüismo Federation (RFEP), Javier Hernanz, accompanied him and were also honored by the AEPD.
The president of the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE), Alejandro Blanco, was in charge of closing the gala. “Seeing you is to enlarge the story, it is a dream of what we expect from many of you in the following competitions. Others will leave the competition but will continue to drive through their teachings,” he said.
In his last gala as president of the AEPD, Julián Redondo received a shirt from the Spanish team as a gift from the RFEF and a COE recognition, delivered by Alejandro Blanco. “I have made many friends because I have surrounded myself. It is comforted to know that I can look at the face of my daughters and my loved ones without embarrassing,” he said as a farewell.
The National and Extraordinary General Assembly of the AEPD, which will take place in the castle of Fuensaldaña and in which the 2024 economic report will be submitted to approval, will be imposed by the 2024, will be imposed by the Gala de Santa Susanna 2026 and the president of the agency that will happen to Julian Redondo will be presented on Tuesday.