Spanish sporting greats honored at 45th gala

Barcelona, the reigning world trial champion Toni Bou, artistic swimming world champions Iris Tio and Denis Gonzalez, and world march champion Maria Perez were some of the top athletes recognized at the 45th National Sports Gala, celebrating the best of 2025. The event, held at the Parc del Colomer in Santa Susanna, Barcelona, also acknowledged the Real Madrid and Unicaja basketball teams, the men's water polo national team, paralympic skiing alpine champion Audrey Pascual, the Spanish men's football team, and world sailing champions Jordi Xammar, Marta Cardona, Paula Barcelo, and Maria Cantero.

Legacy awards presented

Former karateka Damian Quintero and ex-padeller Carolina Navarro were honored for their career achievements, while the 125th anniversary of Espanyol and 120th of Mundo Deportivo were also celebrated.

Consejo Superior de Deportes President Jose Manuel Rodríguez Uribes praised the state of Spanish Sports, saying: 'We're enjoying very good health in men's and women's Sports. In team Sports, we're world power and we have great individual figures. Things are being done well and there's a lot of talent.'

Athletes reflect on upcoming challenges

March champion Maria Perez expressed enthusiasm for the transition year ahead, saying she's 'training quite well' to prepare for August's European Championships in Birmingham. Artistic swimming coach Andrea Fuentes is equally optimistic, looking forward to debuting new routines and music in May's Spanish Championships.

Real Madrid basketball's Rudy Fernandez emphasized the importance of their upcoming Euroliga quarterfinals against Hapoel Tel Aviv, vowing to 'go all out' and dream of advancing. Former Spain coach Vicente del Bosque praised the current team as 'different to 2010, but also very good', filling him with confidence ahead of this summer's World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.