Catalonia in the heart of the Olympic Games
During the next Olympic Games to be held in Paris, Catalonia will become a focal point of the competition. A total of 101 athletes from Catalonia have moved to the French capital with the dream in mind of getting a medal. The possibility of achieving this goal is not exclusive to a few, since in each edition of the Games athletes always emerge that surprise everyone. However, among this varied delegation that mixes generations and experiences, there are several athletes who have a solid chance of finishing on the podium. Next, we will take a tour of the most notable ones.
Women’s football: a team full of Catalan talent
The Spanish women’s soccer team is considered the main contender to win the gold medal in these Olympic Games. After winning the World Cup in Australia two years ago, the team led by Montsé Tomé arrives in Paris with high expectations. The Catalan soccer players play a crucial role in the team, as they are part of the hard core of players preparing for their debut against Japan on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. In this group, names such as Alexia Putellas stand out, who is recognized worldwide in her sport, and Aitana Bonmatí, who has recently made history by becoming the highest-paid player for a commercial brand thanks to her agreement with Adidas.
Other Catalan representations that stand out are Laia Aleixandri, Manchester City footballer, and Ona Batlle, who has been promoted at FC Barcelona as one of the revelations of the season. Finally, Laia Codina, a solid 24-year-old center back who plays in the Premier League with Arsenal, will also be on the field. Everything seems to indicate that these Catalan players will have a key role in the search for Olympic gold.
The men’s soccer team seeks its glory
The men’s soccer team, which has been coached by Santi Denia, is in a similar situation. This team has a lineup brimming with talent, many of whom are Catalan. Up to seven footballers from this region have been selected to represent Spain in the Olympic event: Arnau Tenas, Joan Garcia, Marc Pubill, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsí, Adrián Bernabé and Sergio Gómez. Except for the goalkeepers, most of them are expected to be starters on the field.
FC Barcelona fans will be paying special attention to young Pau Cubarsí, who will be the youngest athlete to participate in these Games, and Eric Garcia, who returns to the club after a successful year on loan at Girona. Both defensive figures could be in charge of solidifying the Spanish defense and helping the team on its way to the desired medal.
Swim to victory in artistic swimming
In the field of artistic swimming, Catalonia also plays a leading role in the Spanish team. This group will seek to demonstrate that it has been able to adapt to the new regulatory requirements of the sport while taking advantage of the absence of Russia, traditionally dominant in this discipline. Although the Chinese competition will be their biggest rival, expectations are that Paula Ramírez, Mertixell Mas, Meritxell Ferré and Iris Tió will manage to return to their hometowns with gold around their necks.
Waterpolo: the sport with the most Catalan representation
Water polo is the sport that brings together the largest number of athletes from Catalonia, with a total of 18 athletes involved. Both the women’s and men’s teams have a high chance of winning a medal. The women’s team faces the challenge of winning gold after having won two silver medals in the last two editions of the Olympic Games. Although the goal is ambitious, the talent that these athletes possess cannot be denied.
Canoeing: Catalonia with great opportunities
In the field of canoeing, medal hopes are focused on Saúl Craviotto and Aina Cid. Craviotto, a prominent competitor from Lleida, has already tasted Olympic glory and is looking to repeat the success, while Aina Cid, from Amposta, is striving to obtain her first medal after a remarkable career.
Tennis: the pair of Marcel Granollers
In tennis, Carlos Alcaraz and Rafa Nadal are the great protagonists. Both competitors will participate in singles and doubles, but Marcel Granollers, an expert in doubles, is also expected to have a notable performance in this category, thus contributing to the team.
Sailing: hope in the Xammar – Brugman couple
Historically, sailing has been a sport that has provided numerous successes to the Spanish delegation. On this occasion, two of its greatest exponents, Jordi Xammar and Nora Brugman, will compete together in the 470 mixed category, having demonstrated that they have the ability to be outstanding in this discipline.
