Spanish Team features usual fast runners
The Spanish Athletic Federation will have, in all probability, 68 athletes starting at the European Championships in Munich (6 – 11 August). Amongst the southern European team's credentials are 7 medals, which accompanied the team home from Budapest 4 years ago. This time too, they have several potential medallists on their team.
Manuel Martinez (Photo: Chai)
As usual, particular attention should be paid to the Spanish mid-distance and long distance runners. Antonio Jimenez (3000 m steeplechase), Reyes Estevez (1500 m), Alberto Garcia (5000 m), Jose Rios (10000 m) and Alberto Juzdado (marathon) lead the line-up in their disciplines, but especially with the traditional 42,195 kilometres, athletes like Javier Cortes or Julio Rey have a good chance of gaining a top place. The indoor European champions, Manuel Martinez (shot putt) and Raul Fernandez (long jump) also feature among the top favourites in Munich and in the 20 kilometre walk, Francisco J. Fernandez, could well set the pace.Two well-known names and aspiring gold medallists on the women's team are Glory Alozie, runner-up (100 m hurdles) at the Olympics and former World champion, Niurka Montalvo (long jump). Certainly, in the running events, a watchful eye should also be kept on athletes Natalia Rodriquez (1500 m) and indoor European champion, Marta Dominiquez (5000 m).
The Spanish Team:
FRAUEN / WOMEN
800m: Mayte Martinez
1500m: Natalia Rodriguez, Nuria Fernandez, Iris Fuentes- Pila
5000m: Marta Dominguez
10000m: Luisa Larraga
100m Hürden/hurdles: Glory Alozie, Arantza Loureiro
Hochsprung/High jump: Marta Mendia, Ruth Beitia
Stabhochsprung/Pole Vault: Dana Cervantes, Naroa Agirre
Weitsprung: Niurka Montalvo, Concha Montaner
Dreisprung: Carlota Castrejana
Hammerwerfen/Hammer: Berta Castells
Siebenkampf/Heptathlon: Maria Peinado
20km Gehen / Walking: Maria Vasco, Eva Perez, Beatriz Pascual
4 x 100 m: Glory Alozie, Arantza Loureiro, Concha Motaner, Carmen Blay, Arantxa Reinares
4 x 400 m: Mayte Martinez, Julia Alba, Miriam Bravo, Ma Paz Maqueda, Daisy Antonio
MÄNNER / MEN
100m: Orkartz Beitia
200m: Julian Martinez
400m: David Canal
800m: Antonio Reina, Miguel Quesada
1500m: Juan C. Higuero, Reyes Estevez, Jose A. Redolat
5000m: Alberto Garcia, Roberto Garcia, Jesus Espana
10000m: Jose Rios, Chema Martinez, Igancio Caceres
110m Hürden/hurdles: Felipe Vivancos
400m Hürden/hurdles: Ivan Rodriguez, Jaime Juan
3000m Hindernis/steeple: Antonio Jimenez, Eliseo Martin, Luis M. Martin
Weitsprung/Long jump: Raul Fernandez, Yago Lamela
Kugelstoßen/Shot put: Manuel Martinez
Diskuswerfen /Discus Throw: Mario Pestano, David Martinez
20 km Gehen/Walking: Franzisco J. Fernandez, Juan M. Molina
50 km Gehen/Walking: Mikel Odriozola, Jesus A. Garcia, Santi Perez
Marathon: Alberto Juzdado, Javier Caballero, Javier Cortes, Kamel Ziani, Julio Rey, Alejandro Gomez
4 x 100 m: Orkartz Beita, Julian Martinez, Angel D. Rodriguez, Carlos Berlanga, Cecilio Maestra
4 x 400 m: David Canal, Antonio Reina, Ivan Rodriguez, Cesar Martinez, Alberto Martinez, Salvador Rodriguez
