Former artistic swimmer Ona Carbonell visited Iberdrola Spain’s facilities on Monday where she was warmly received by the company’s chief executive officer, Mario Ruiz-Tagle. During the visit, Carbonell was presented with a commemorative diploma to honor her storied career and the significant impact she has made in aquatic sports and women’s athletics.
The event followed a recent Barcelona announcement acknowledging the end of Carbonell’s competitive journey. Iberdrola noted that Carbonell left a handprint in plaster along with marks representing a lifetime of achievement, a keepsake destined for permanent display at Iberdrola’s Madrid offices. The gesture celebrated the extraordinary run of medals and milestones in her career, which includes many Olympic moments and a broad collection of World and European honors. In her remarks, Carbonell emphasized the gratitude she feels for Iberdrola’s role in promoting equal opportunities, highlighting her own position as an ambassador who has helped raise visibility for women in sport.
“The most important takeaway is the lasting values, the sacrifices, and the principled approach that Carbonell has demonstrated as a trailblazing figure in women’s sports,” the statement read. It underscored how her example has inspired peers and younger athletes to aim higher and pursue excellence with integrity.
In another note, Carbonell expressed gratitude for Iberdrola’s ongoing support and advocacy for women in sports. She described how such backing has helped many athletes overcome barriers and realize their goals, including the challenge of balancing motherhood with elite competition. The endorsement and practical backing from Iberdrola have been pivotal in fostering a more inclusive environment within Spanish sport.
36 International Medals Highlight a Flagship Career
Carbonell, who joined Iberdrola in 2016, leaves behind a remarkable competitive record as she pivots toward family life and new professional opportunities. Her trophy cabinet includes more than 36 medals from international competitions, comprising silver, bronze, and a total of 22 world-level medals along with 12 European honors attained across a long and storied career in the pool. In recognition of her service to sport, she also holds the Royal Order of Sports Merit silver medal, awarded in 2013.
Since 2016, Iberdrola has positioned itself as a leader in advancing gender equality through sports. The company supports more than 600,000 female athletes and collaborates with 32 national sports federations, representing two thirds of the federations active in the country. Iberdrola’s initiatives have driven a measurable uptick in female licensing across partner federations, with a reported 36% increase in female licenses under its programs. The company also operates or sponsors more than 100 competitions under its own brand, including 32 Iberdrola leagues.
In a broader sense, the collaboration between Carbonell and Iberdrola reflects a shared commitment to excellence, resilience, and the belief that sport can be a powerful catalyst for social change. The partnership demonstrates how corporate leadership can empower athletes to reach peak performance while also advancing opportunities for women on a national stage. The tone of the engagement suggests a lasting legacy in which athletic achievement and social progress reinforce one another, encouraging a new generation of athletes to pursue their dreams with purpose.