The Absolute Spanish Paralympic Swimming Championship gathered swimmers from across the country in Madrid, marking a strong mid-season showcase last weekend.
More than 200 athletes took part in the competition, demonstrating high levels of skill, discipline, and determination. Among the participating clubs, the HE Club Esportiu Aquarium Alicante stood out with nine swimmers representing the Valencian Community. The group included six athletes selected by the Valencian Federation for Adapted Sports, FESA, to compete at a national level: María Candela, Jaume Cortés, Marta Expósito, Delia Fontcuberta, José Ramón Martínez, and Manuel MartíneZ. The remaining three competitors earned their spot through FEDDI-CV, the Valencian Community Sports Federation for the Mentally Handicapped: Macarena Esteve, Natalia Paz, and Miguel Ángel Valiente. Coaching support came from Alejandro Cantos and Jesús Peinado, both associated with FESA, providing strategic guidance and encouragement throughout the event.
The day’s performances reflected the teamwork, preparation, and dedication invested by swimmers and their coaching staff in the opening half of the season. Collectively, the Alicante contingent secured 21 medals within their individual classifications and added two podium finishes in events recognizing multiple disability categories. In addition to their individual successes, the squad contributed six medals to the relay program, underscoring the strength of teamwork in a sport where every stroke and turn can influence the final standings.
The results from this championship reinforced Aquarium Alicante’s rising status in national adapted sports. Their solid showing complemented the club’s strong performance at the FEDDI Spanish Championship in Torrevieja held earlier in March, which further demonstrated the depth and competitiveness of the program. The club is consistently highlighted in national rankings as a reference point for excellence in adapted swimming, reflecting sustained progress over recent seasons.
Many of the swimmers train at regional facilities around Alicante, including the Hogar Provincial pool, the Monte Tossal pool, and the Esperanza Lag pool in Elche. The consistent coaching and high-quality training environments have contributed to the team’s ability to deliver notable results on big stages. As the 2021-2022 AXA League season concluded, the Aquarium Alicante girls placed second in their overall category, while the club attained third place overall, signaling a positive trajectory for future championships. With ongoing commitment from athletes, coaches, and the broader aquatic community, Aquarium Alicante remains a prominent national reference in adapted sports, inspiring younger athletes to pursue competitive swimming with confidence and pride.