Cycle Gil Albert is a tribute to Alicante’s women who have earned recognition across diverse fields. The name Little Rose has long been familiar in rhythmic gymnastics, a sport where talent and dedication meet discipline, yet there was a time when the writer had not had the chance to witness or engage with her directly.
Meeting with Toni Cabot at Casa Bardín proved to be more than a casual encounter. The hour and a half seemed brief, yet his natural charisma and vibrant energy left a lasting impression. Cabot, a sports journalist by trade, quickly highlighted Alicante’s bright dual highlights: judo, vividly documented in a book about Miriam Blasco, and gymnastics, where the city has produced notable champions.
The twist came when the conversation uncovered that Carolina Pascual’s renowned coach and several of her champions—who have stood shoulder to shoulder with Emilia Boneva on numerous occasions—have also moved into the political arena. The individual who acts as a substitute at the Valencia Courts and was seen with Marzà for Sport until recently has blended sport with public life in a way that surprised the writer.
Listening to Rosa Menor, observing her presence and the telltale lines of her expression, the writer couldn’t help but reflect on the city’s leadership. Beyond ideology, the current municipal administrations appear to miss the mark in many arenas. There was a time when Alicante needed a steady, reliable figure to carry the city’s leadership forward. A solid, effective presence, someone demanding because they are willing to give everything for the team and the city. A leader who could push for the highest results for a city that has long struggled and occupied troubling positions in different rankings. Alicante could rise to the podium if Rosa Menor maintained a focus on national-level responsibilities, balancing sport with civic duty and policy. This is not a nostalgic wish but a call to harness proven determination to move the city toward tangible progress and renewed credibility in national and regional competitions. [citation attribution]”