Elche’s Taekwondo athletes, Raul Martinez and Hugo Arillo, are making deliberate strides toward top-tier status in global rankings and are positioning themselves for the next decisive chapters on the road to major championships. The year 2024 holds a particularly prominent goal on the horizon: Paris, where the Olympic stage awaits.
Recently, in Tirana, the Albanian G-2 International Open provided a platform for both Spanish representatives to showcase their talent. Each earned a podium finish, with bronze medals signaling their continued ascent and competitive consistency on the international circuit.
Martinez, competing in the minus 87 kilograms division, started the event as the third seed. He navigated an intense early match and then secured a second-round victory against a Greek opponent. In the semi finals, he demonstrated focus and resilience, accumulating a solid 40 ranking points while managing a minor calf discomfort that did not deter his progress.
Arillo, in the under 58 kilograms category, also stood on the podium, claiming bronze and 40 ranking points. His run to the medal included a tough encounter against opponents from Greece and Sweden, with a semi-final loss to a wrestler from Azerbaijan ending his bid for gold in that particular event.
Looking ahead, the Elche duo has their sights set on the Manchester Grand Prix, scheduled for October 18 to 24. This event is viewed as a critical stepping stone toward the season’s culminant tests. Most importantly, the World Championship looms in Guadalajara, Mexico, from November 13 to 20, where both athletes aim to translate prior success into world-level impact and solidify their standing among the sport’s elite.
Martinez, now 31, remains focused on an Olympic bid that would mark the culmination of years of dedication. His ambition is tightly aligned with the Paris 2024 frame, and he approaches the quest with the perspective that his career is built around this peak opportunity and the prospect of competing at the highest stage before winding down his active competitive years.
Arillo, at only 20 years old, has already demonstrated a remarkable trajectory. As the recent European runner-up, he embodies the next generation of talent destined for Olympic consideration. His path thoughtfully blends youthful energy with the discipline required to reach the Paris event, fueling a clear and unwavering dream of qualifying for the Games and making a lasting imprint on the international scene.