The world of athletics is mourning the death of Spanish athletics legend Carmen Valero, 68, who passed away in Sabadell on Tuesday (2nd). Valero, who won the World Cross Country Championship twice in 1976 and 1977, is best known for his extraordinary accomplishments. Her achievements had a huge impact on women’s track and field in Spain.
Valero made history as a pioneering female athlete in Spain, becoming the first Spanish woman to compete in track and field at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. Her great performances in the 800m and 1500m showed her talent and her determination on the world stage.
Before her breakthrough Olympic appearance, Valero had already won her first world cross country title in Chepstow, Wales, where she competed against the likes of future Olympic champions Tatyana Kazankina of the Soviet Union and Gabriela Dorio of Italy. He won against famous players.
The following year, in 1977, Valero further consolidated his dominance by retaining his world title in Düsseldorf. Her extraordinary feat made her the first woman to win her three medals at the World Athletics and Cross Country Championships, which she added to her previous bronze medal in Rabat in 1975.
Valero’s glittering career saw him win an astonishing 25 Spanish titles in a variety of disciplines, including cross-country, 800m, 1500m and 3000m. Her influence extended beyond her wins, as she set an impressive 15 national records in these categories. Notable among her records were 2:04.12 in the 800 meters (1976), 4:08.34 in the 1500 meters (1976), and 9:00.9 in the 3000 meters (1978).
Carmen Valero’s remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication have established her as an icon in Spanish athletics and an inspiration to generations of athletes striving for excellence. Her accomplishments will stand as a testament to the heights achieved through her dedication and passion in the world of sport.
