Right after the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Raúl Chapado, president of the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, spoke to the press. He reassured the reporters that the Spanish team delivered a strong performance, earning five medals—four gold and one silver—and placing ten athletes in the finals. He noted that the team showed competitiveness close to the leaders and stressed that Spain had demonstrated its determination to push forward in the sport.
Relating to
The Budapest World Cups mark a resounding success
Spain finished the championships with a historic third place in the medal table. Four golds were earned by María Pérez and Álvaro Martín in the 20 km and 35 km road walks, along with a silver in the 5,000 meters where Mohamed Katir delivered a strong showing. This helped the Spanish delegation reach a commendable seventh place in the overall points standings.
Chapado expressed satisfaction with the team’s competitiveness. He emphasized that medals and final placements matter, but the larger achievement was the way most athletes performed within their capabilities. Although Spain did not top the medal table or the points list, the level of competition was high and the country stayed in close proximity to the leaders, depending on each athlete’s form and strengths.
He highlighted the overall level of the meet, noting that major traditional athletics powers did not sweep the medals this time. Budapest provided a stage where Spanish athletes could shine, and the leadership saw potential for continued growth. The emphasis was on evaluating performances, recognizing strengths, and identifying areas to improve. The mindset is to build on this foundation for the future generation of athletes.
Adri Ben served as a notable example of competitiveness during the championships, with many describing his display as emblematic of the Spanish approach to the sport.
Chapado also pointed to a broad, strong pool of athletes who could step up in future events. He cited stars across different disciplines who were competing nearby or away from Budapest for various reasons. The sense was that Spain’s depth matched that of many leading teams, underscoring the progress achieved over the past several seasons. The focus remains on how to sustain and grow this momentum, regardless of the occasional absence of key athletes.
Walking has long been a source of pride for Spanish athletics. Chapado noted the move away from the 50-kilometer event and toward the 35-kilometer distance with a mixed team relay arrangement, describing it as a necessary adaptation to the evolving sport. This shift was presented as part of a broader effort to ensure the discipline remains competitive and relevant on the world stage.
He underscored that the walking events need continued support and development. He explained that medals in this discipline can carry significance beyond the podium, highlighting the broader health and community benefits that walking competition can inspire. The aim is to keep the discipline alive, visible, and integrated with high-performance sport while ensuring it remains accessible to athletes at all levels.
In discussions about the future, María Pérez and Álvaro Martín were recognized for their performances, with Chapado stating that they have set a high bar for the coming year. He spoke about collaborating with World Athletics and the Athletes’ Commission to align on goals and pathways for continued success. The message was clear: a strong, well-rounded program will require ongoing cooperation and commitment from all parts of the sport.
The setting in Budapest was highlighted as an important step toward the national program. Chapado pointed to the plans to connect the walking discipline with broader health initiatives, using the event as a platform to increase awareness and participation at the national level. There is a shared belief that these efforts will help elevate the sport in Paris and beyond, bringing more people into the fold and reinforcing the value of athletic achievement across the country.
World Athletics leadership, including the organization’s head, was represented in several capacities and discussions. While certain delegations did not participate in every segment, key figures were present to observe and engage. The overall sentiment was one of unity and purpose, with a focus on protecting and promoting athletic heritage and supporting the next generation of athletes in continuing their ascent.
Looking ahead, the questions center on the overall impact of the march and the broader program. The goals include securing funding, strengthening visibility, and sustaining momentum for walking events. The leadership affirmed a steadfast commitment to defending the sport and ensuring it remains a vital part of Spain’s athletic landscape for years to come.