20000512-Spanish Olympians: from University to Sydney 2000

Some of the most promising Spanish athletes confirmed at the University that in Sydney 2000 they will aspire to the highest glory: the Olympic gold medal. The lecture, which took place at the University of Navarra, was organized by the association Olympic Sports Organization (ADO), which (ADO), which supports with scholarships the exclusive dedication of these athletes to their specialization program. According to ADO representatives, Spain hopes to maintain the level of the last two Olympics. In Barcelona 22 medals were won (6th place in the world) and in Atlanta 17 (13th place in the world).

Jumper Niurka Montalvo, European (6.82 m.) and world (7.06 m.) champion, is one of Spain's strongest bets. "Everyone expects a lot from me. So do I. The victory at the world championships has committed me." The distance that the Cuban-born Spaniard intends to reach is, she said, around 7.20m: "I prefer to make the medal very expensive, because to be the best you have to be ambitious". As for her competitors, she pointed out that "rivals are all the other athletes. I surprised in 95, any other athlete can do it in Sydney". For the athlete, this sport " financial aid you to be willing and persevering. When you have reached cima is the moment you enjoy the most and you never get tired of it".

Also flying a few meters is Asturian Yago Lamela, who has become the main rival of the current king of the jump: Ivan Pedroso. According to Yago, "an injury I suffered this winter complicated my training before the Olympics, but my recovery is going surprisingly fast". The world indoor runner-up (8.56m) declared that he is going to Australia "without any complexes and with the confidence to bring home a medal".

The judoka from Navarra, Miren León, is not yet fully qualified to go to the Olympic Games, but her current status in the world ranking brings her undoubtedly closer to the top sporting competition. "The fact of being there will already be a award. The rest of the judokas, especially the Koreans and Japanese, have a great level".

In front of the individual sports internship of Yago, Niurka and Miren, the goalkeeper of the national water polo team, Jesús Rollán, highlighted the importance of competing in a team. The Spanish team's swimmers won gold in Atlanta and are currently the world champions, so the maximum will be demanded of them. "They are asking us for the gold, but it is very complicated. Our main opponents will be, as always, the Italians, although we must not forget the Hungarians, Croatians or Yugoslavians." He also stressed the importance of team play: "We are already a family because we have been together for many years. There is a special bond, which is transmitted by being in the water for so many hours.

ADO representatives explained the scholarship system used to sponsor athletes. In 1992, the total investment in the Olympic team was 8,500 million; in 1996, 4,300 million; and in 2000, 5,000 million.