WOMEN are gradually taking over men in Spanish sporting success, with household names like Mireia Belmonte, Duane da Rocha, Ruth Beitia (pictured left) and Carolina Marín now almost as famous as the likes of Rafa Nadal, Pau Gasol and Fernando Alonso.
In fact, of the 17 gold medals Spain took home from the London 2012 Olympics, 11 were won by ladies.
“Women were not paid much attention before in sports because, the truth is, we had fewer successes,” admits Duane da Rocha, who won the 200 metres backstroke at the recent European Games in Berlin.
“Not that this means we didn't put in the effort, of course, because we always won lots of fifth and sixth places.”
One of Spain's best athletes in history, Ruth Beitia says: “There's been a female explosion on the scene. We've freed ourselves up – and this is slightly connected to women's advancing roles in society, in everyday life. Sportswomen are gradually keeping up with men and giving them a run for their money.”
This said, Ruth admits: “Equality of sexes is more generalised in athletics than in other sports – elsewhere, the difference between men and women is more accentuated.”
“The sporting world used to be more sexist, but with the passage of time women have freed themselves up – and nowadays, we even choose to leave the country if the general results of our chosen sport are getting gradually worse at home,” reveals handball champion Nerea Pena (pictured below right).
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