Pilar Alegría: “ It is truly an honour that these options named as a pioneer athlete Carmen Valero ”

• The minister of education, vocational training and sport has chaired in Madrid the act of designation of athletics facilities “ Carmen Valero ”, in recognition of the best spanish athlete of the twentieth century

• “ we are honored to assess its figure. Thanks to the family for allowing us to share his legacy, ” said the minister of Education, vocational training and sport

• This tribute to Carmen Valero was announced last january and been formalized this thursday, coinciding with the commemoration on 8 march of women's day

• “ Since the CSD will continue to promote a sports model where every girl who dreams of being an athlete myself feel that the way is open and that their efforts and talents are the only measures that determine how far it can, ” explained the president of the CSD, José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes

Madrid, 7 march 2024.-The high performance centre of Madrid shall render a tribute to Carmen Valero, who from this thursday, named after the athletics facilities of this sports complex, ownership of the council for sports.

In a very emotional ceremony held in the form of athletics, the minister of education, vocational training and sport, Pilar Alegría, has explained why this appreciation to the best spanish athlete of the twentieth century Carmen Valero. “ it is an authentic referent and a woman pioneer, ” said Pilar Alegría.

“ it is truly an honour that these tracks bear her name. Many athletes will be able to feel the inspiration that was and is Carmen Valero, "said Pilar Alegría in the event was held this afternoon. “ we are honored to assess its figure. Thanks to the family for allowing us to share his legacy," said.

For the minister, “ Carmen Valero had been able to fulfil its objectives. Together with other women as Sagrario Aguado, was an example for many generations of sportsmen who today represent the Success of a country that bet each day to the sport ”.

“ Since this government will always work in defence of equality and inclusion in sport. We will continue to work to break all gaps ”, has assured Pillar Joy.

Late last january at 68 years, Carmen Valero leaves a legacy of a full score of athletic. She was the first spanish olympic athlete and remains the only double world champion in the history of spanish athletics, thanks to the field titles through made in the years 1976 and 1977.

“ Carmen Valero was an exceptional basis, the only athlete, pioneer and reference. Its name is undoubtedly linked to women's fight for equality in sport. This well-deserved tribute honour his memory and symbolises the time the visibility and recognition to women in sports ”, highlighted by the president of the CSD, José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes.

Moreover, it has expressed “ the full commitment of the government for further work on the elimination of discrimination, of the gender gaps and the best guarantee of women's rights ”. In that regard, Rodríguez Uribes has assured me that since the CSD “ will continue a sport where every girl who dreams of being an athlete myself feel that the way is open and that their efforts and talents are the only measures that determine how far it can, with real equality of opportunity ”.

“ this act of recognition and tribute must serve as a reminder that, although we have come a long way the race for equality has not been completed. It Is a race that requires us every day, in all areas ”, has added.

The president of the CSD has completed its involvement with the wish that “ the name of Carmen Valero in these facilities will serve as a beacon that guide us always, as a call to action of the task ahead ”.

The archive of sound of RNE there were during the development of the act's own statements Carmen Valero, in which the turolense underlined the difficulties that women had to face in those years if they wanted to practise sport: “ Women at that time we cost quite. Not even know that could lead to a certain level. But, in my case, my father at all times was behind me. I had so much love in athletics! I have looked so happy! ”.

Coetánea de Carmen Valero, exsaltadora Sagrario Aguado has joined the tribute with an original souvenir towards his partner of generation.

“ Carmen was very competitive and all my heart. It was not only great athlete, also a great person, that is what has not changed over the years ”, has indicated Aguado.

Irene Sánchez-escribano status, national day and 3000 obstacles, has explained what represents Carmen Valero for athletes who have followed suit. “ for us has been much easier to everything. We must thank the athletes who preceded us that we have paved the way, because like them, the volume of athletes is greater today, ” said.

For its part, the Adi Iglesias sprinter, gold and silver in the paralympic games of tokyo, has summed up the feelings of athletes that will train from this thursday in athletics facilities Carmen Valero of Madrid. “ Having his name here means a lot to us, i shall endeavour to learn from it and try to add my bit to ensure that the path of forthcoming athletes easier, ” said.

The most sensitive part of the act has coincided with the intervention of Carmen Mellado Valero, daughter of Carmen Valero, who has assisted accompanied by their aunts, Leonor and Rosa.

“ behind the achievements of my mother was unconditional team of people who always supported it. My aunts, my father, my grandparents. Sacrificed time, resources and facilities you my mother was able to pursue his passion, meeting records and paving the way of future generations ”, pointed out.

“ we would like to remind not only to Carmen Valero as an exceptional athlete but as an example of strength and nature of women. One of its Last sentences was: running i feel free and i hope that you let us remain ”, had completed its words, which has shown the appreciation of the whole family this tribute.

The first spanish olympic athlete

Born in Castelserás (Teruel) on 4 october 1955, Carmen Valero moved from girl to Catalonia. Its inception in athletics arrived in 1969, in Sabadell.

At the national level, the first tangible results of Carmen Valero are recorded in 1970 and 1971, when he won the championship of Spain junior. But in 1972, still with 16 years, it already appears in the picture.

Get their first national championship 1500 meters, with the other six consecutive would more, achieving a monopoly that spread from 1972 until 1978. They were added three championships of 800 in 1974-1976 and four 3000, since 1974 to 1976, and in 1978.

This overwhelming dominance exercised Carmen Valero in spain was transferred to the international arena. Was a finalist in the junior Championship of Duisburg in 1973 and the following year competed at european level in Rome. The establishment of the new national record in the qualifying round. At the end, succeeded in seventh place. In 1975 participated in the mediterranean games of Algiers, making a bronze medal in the 1500 meters.

In 1976 became the first spanish olympic athlete. In the games of Montreal competed in the evidence of 800 and 1500 metres, while most notably, its international activities was in the field through. In 1976, in Chepstow proclaimed champion of the world. The following year repeated victory in Düsseldorf, ahead of two extraordinary fondistas as Lyudmila Bragina and Giana Romanova.

Women have not returned to medallero since then, giving special regard to the outcomes of Carmen Valero. In fact, above all these achievements, it should be noted that it was in the female athletics centre in spain. It opened the way to all athletes who have continued their steps.

Public policies for equality in sport

The celebration of the international day of women will continue this friday, 8 march, in the council for sports with the organization of a symposium on “ public policies for equality in sport ”.

Will develop 11:00 to 13:00 p.m. in conference room Samaranch and will consist of two round-table discussions moderated by the chief of the CSD, Lucía Santiago.

In the first explain the policies and initiatives undertaken since the high council of sports for the promotion of equal opportunities in sport.

The assistant director-general will of Mujer and sport, Bárbara Fuertes; the adviser in the cabinet of presidency, Nerea Huete; the sporting technique of the subdirectorate general competition, Lola Boyé; and the responsible de proyectos de la Fundación Sport young, Marta Montaner.

In the second panel discussion involving the president of the White Foundation, Lola Fernández Ochoa; the vice-president of the America ’ s Cup Events Barcelona, Aurora Catà; the president of the association of Football players and EU Athletes, Natalia Orive; and the CEO and founder of Bepro, Ana Salas.

The day will be closed by the president of the supreme council for sports, José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes.

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