In a standout performance for Elche Tennis Club, Dawn Blacksmith reaffirmed her status as Spain’s champion and claimed the absolute gold in the 200-meter freestyle. Clocking 2:00.87, she dominated her premier event once more, echoing the triumph she earned last year in the Canary Islands and at Sabadell. Alba Herrero added to the club’s success by taking bronze in the 100-meter freestyle, narrowly missing silver and gold with only a two percent gap to the silver and thirteen percent to the gold. In the same program, she also placed fifth in the 400-meter freestyle, underscoring the depth of talent from the club.
Alicante Alba Herrero, double champion of Spain
On another front, Pedro Sanchez showcased the club’s growing pipeline of young talent. As part of the Olympic-adjacent program, he finished runner-up in two back events, the 100 and 200 meters. He advanced to the A finals in both races, finishing in the fourth and fifth positions in absolute terms and securing strong showings among the top Spanish competitors.
Pau Moncho competed in both A finals for the 200-meter and 400-meter individual medleys and earned junior bronze in the 200-meter IM, following a commendable performance that positioned him among the top juniors in Spain. In the 400-meter IM, he placed fourth in the junior ranking, illustrating his steady ascent through the competitive ranks. Carla Hurtado earned junior bronze in the 100-meter butterfly and advanced to the B final in the 200-meter butterfly, highlighting her versatility across fly distances. Equally notable were the absolute B finals for Roberto Oliver in the 200-meter butterfly and for Andrea Martínez in the 50-meter breaststroke. The final events for Sara Martínez in the 400-meter individual medley and for Andrea Martínez in the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke contributed to a broad showing of talent across the team.
In the team standings, the absolute women’s squad finished eighth within the Valencian Community, marking the club as a leading contributor in the region. The absolute men’s team placed thirteenth overall, reflecting strong performance across multiple age groups and events.
Elche Tennis Club’s roster was complemented by a strong club-wide effort that energized the season’s closing stages. The team’s approach combined traditional endurance training with targeted sprint work and technical refinement in the pool. This blend supported athletes across distance, speed, and flying starts, helping them perform consistently in a demanding meet calendar. The season’s culmination also signaled the club’s readiness for international competition, with Carla Hurtado set to represent Spain in the Absolute European Championship alongside the national team in August.
Overall, the season demonstrated Elche Tennis Club’s growing breadth of talent and its capacity to develop athletes who compete at national and international levels. The performances in freestyle, butterfly, medley, and breaststroke events showcased a well-rounded program that prioritizes technique, conditioning, and strategic race execution. While Dawn Blacksmith anchored the club with a dominant 200-meter freestyle victory, a broader group of athletes contributed to a robust medal tally and a strong team presence in both the absolute and junior categories. Cresting through the season, the club’s athletes demonstrated resilience, commitment, and a shared drive to excel on the big stage.
— End of report from Elche Tennis Club Team —