CSD recognition of the “pioneer” Carmen Valero in Madrid’s CAR

Pilar AlegríaMinister of Education, Vocational Training and Sports, and Jose Manuel Rodríguez Uribespresident of the Higher Sports Council, rThey recognized the “pioneer” figure of Carmen Valero engraving his name on the athletics facilities of the Madrid High Performance Center.

Carmen Valero, double cross country world champion in 1976 and 1977 and first Spanish Olympic athleteat the 1976 Montreal Games, He died on January 2 as a result of a stroke at the age of 68..

Minister Pilar Alegría recalled that a few days ago she read in an interview with Carmen that when she was little and jogging she had a bell on her ankle because that way her parents always knew if where is he

“She was eight years old and that girl transformed into a woman and was able to fly on her feet. She would take that part of her resistance and resilience from her Aragonese roots because This is a birth certificate and a Catalan adoption certificate.Alegría said.

“It’s a real honor because it will allow us many athletes can feel the inspiration of Carmen Valero then and now. Move to the name of all Spanish sports then a true reference to a time that was not simple, that’s why we are honored to recognize the figure of Carmen. “A real honor,” he said.

“He was a pioneer and he was able to fulfill his dream and recognitions that no one has yet achieved. Before him there are others like Aurora Villa but with him, also Sagrario Aguado, which are references. This is a generation that has had a wonderful legacy. We, from the government, will always work in defense of equality, excellence in sport and breaking the gaps so that girls and women can compete, train and reach the top,” she said.

His daughter Carmen, who was present at the event, acknowledged that “Behind his every success is a group of people who have supported him unconditionally.“like his wife and his aunts Rosa and Leonor, who were present at the event.

“They dedicated time and resources for my mother to fulfill her dream. I hope I live to continue building her legacy. EIt is a symbol of women’s strength and courage. Running made him feel free and I hope people continue to be the same,” he said.

José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, president of the Higher Sports Council, said Carmen Valero left “a great mark on Spanish athletics.”

“This event honors her memory and symbolizes the time of the female athlete because visibility and recognition are important in the fight for equality and social dignity. As president of the CSD, I show full commitment to work on eliminating gender gaps by promoting a sports model where every girl who dreams of becoming an athlete knows that the way is open,” highlighted he.

“This act of tribute and recognition should serve as a call because the race for equality is not over. Every step we take towards equality is a step towards a more just society. We want Carmen’s name to be a beacon that always shines on us and a wake-up call for what we still need to do,” he said.

Aguado Sanctuma contemporary of Carmen Valero as a high jumper, remembered her beginnings in the sixties: “She was small but very competitive, very eager. She didn’t like the track, she could only do 800 or 1,500 meters and had to adjust to what is there.”

“When she went to the Games she didn’t bring a medal but she won by being the first woman (Spanish) to attend as an athlete. She stopped athletics for two years because she wanted to have children and when she came back she started. Running. She went to some trials for the Championship of the World and they told him what he was doing, that Spanish women were big-ass and busty. When he ran and won, he went to her again to tell him what they were doing. Knew he knows how to do it. He’s not just a great athlete, but a great person and that’s what has endured over the years,” said Aguado.

Irene Sánchez Escribano, The Spanish reference for the 3,000 meter hurdles, stated that thanks to people like Carmen Valero, everything became “easier”.

“We must thank them for paving the way for us and opening all the possibilities because it is a reference,” stressed Sánchez Escribano, who expressed himself in the same line of recognition as the double Paralympic medalist Adiaratou Iglesias.

“Women are emerging everywhere and we strive to bring out our best version. “Carmen Valero is a woman who inspires me and I wish she had known about things sooner, although better late than never,” Adiaratou stated.