Carlos Alcaraz and Susana Rodríguez, two prominent athletes in the world of sports, have been honored with the prestigious National Sports Awards for the year 2022. Carlos Alcaraz, a talented tennis player from Spain, was awarded the King Felipe Award, while Susana Rodríguez, a paralympic triathlete, received the Queen Letizia Award.
The jury, which gathered at the headquarters of the Higher Sports Council, carefully considered over 120 proposals before making their selections. Alongside Alcaraz and Rodríguez, other notable athletes such as Raúl Entrerríos, Izan Almansa, and Jordan Díaz were recognized for their outstanding achievements.
Alcaraz, who reached the top spot in the ATP rankings in 2022, had an exceptional season, winning several prestigious tournaments including the Rio, Madrid, Miami, Barcelona, and US Open. His remarkable performances on the court undoubtedly earned him the recognition he rightfully deserves.
Rodríguez, on the other hand, excelled in paratriathlon, becoming both the world and European champion in her discipline. She also secured gold medals in the Yokohama and Montreal World Series events, as well as in the World Cup competitions held in A Coruña and Alhandra (Portugal).
Izan Almansa, a talented basketball player, was awarded the Princess Leonor Award for his exceptional progress in the sport. Almansa played a pivotal role in the Spanish under-18 team, leading them to victory in the European championship and securing the runner-up position in the under-17 world category. His outstanding performances earned him the title of Most Valuable Player in both tournaments.
The Down Syndrome Madrid Foundation received the Infanta Sofía Award for their remarkable efforts in promoting sports for individuals with disabilities. Their dedication and commitment to inclusivity have made a significant impact in the lives of many.
Jordan Díaz, the Spanish under-23 indoor triple jump champion and record holder in both the absolute and under-23 outdoor categories, was honored with the King Juan Carlos Award as the revelation athlete.
Journalists Paloma del Río and Antonio Pampliega were recognized with the Queen Sofía Award for their noble gesture and fair play. Their involvement in defending women under the Taliban threat and providing assistance to immigrants has showcased their unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes.
The Spanish skating team was presented with the Baron de Güell Cup as the most outstanding national team of the year. Their remarkable achievements, including winning 40 medals and standing on the podium in all categories at the World Games, were truly impressive.
Retired handball player Raúl Entrerríos, a world and European champion, and a double Olympic medalist, was honored with the Francisco Fernández Ochoa National Award for his illustrious career.
The Pan American Cycling Confederation was awarded the Ibero-American Community Trophy in recognition of their centenary celebrations in 2022.
In a special addition to this year's awards, the European Union Trophy was presented for the first time. Czech skier Ester Ledecka, a three-time Olympic champion, was the deserving recipient of this prestigious accolade. Ledecka's gold medal win in the parallel giant slalom snowboard event at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing showcased her exceptional skills and talent.
The National Award for Arts and Applied Sciences in Sports was bestowed upon Alberto Palomar, an administrative law magistrate and renowned figure in sports law.
The awards also recognized institutions that have played a significant role in promoting sports. The Real Club Mediterráneo de Málaga, Copa Stadium; the Getafe City Council, the Higher Sports Council Award; and the University of Alicante, the Joaquín Blume Trophy, were all commended for their dedicated efforts.
The jury, composed of representatives from various sports organizations, including the Spanish Olympic Committee, the Spanish Paralympic Committee, and sports journalism, carefully deliberated to ensure that the deserving individuals and institutions received the recognition they truly deserved.