Iberia Talento a bordo Team

The Talento a bordo Team got together again after the Paris Games to take stock and share their thoughts with the airline’s employees. In recent years, these athletes have become an inspiration for all members of Iberia, who share values such as hard work and perseverance, as Marco Sansavini, president of Iberia; Juan Cierco, Corporate Director; and Gemma Juncá, Brand and Marketing Director, recalled during the event held on the 22^nd of October at the company’s offices. These athletes wanted to personally thank the unconditional support that Iberia has provided during the entire Olympic cycle. “Iberia’s support has given me a lot of confidence because they have been there through the good and the bad, which is essential for a sportsperson,” athlete Irene Sánchez-Escribano assured us. “Regardless of my results, Iberia has always been there”, canoeist Antía Jácome declared. An opinion also shared by race walker Diego García Carrera: “Support like that, that lasts the entire cycle, gives you peace of mind and lets you focus on training. It’s what we athletes always ask for and, unfortunately, almost never get.”

When the athletes on the Iberia Talento a bordo Team get together, you can feel the complicity because, at this stage, they are more like a family than a team. “We’ve shared so many moments: trips, gatherings, messages… Iberia has managed to create a family and that’s truly special”, celebrates yachtswoman Silvia Mas. “I’ve followed sports that I’d never followed before because I wanted to know how my teammates were doing. I’ve felt very close to them”, confesses swimmer Hugo González de Oliveira, two-time finalist in Paris. A connection that has also pushed them to become better, as rower Rodrigo Conde says: “I wanted to prove that I deserved to be on this team and that’s been extra motivation. Getting to know athletes that are role models to me has been incredible.” Paralympic athlete Gerard Descarrega also joins in this sentiment: “Being part of this team has made me feel hugely proud and motivated.” The bearer of the Spanish flag in Paris, canoeist Marcus Cooper, also highlights learning: “When I thought I already knew everything, I spent some time with any of these athletes and learnt something new. It’s been inspiring.”

“We’ve shared so many moments: trips, gatherings, messages… Iberia has managed to create a family and that’s truly special” — Silvia Mas

These athletes feel so thankful to Iberia that some of them regret not being able to repay them with great results in Paris. This is the case of taekwondo athlete Adriana Cerezo: “I’m very grateful and would’ve liked to pay it forward with a medal. I’ve felt incredibly supported and that pushed me to give a little bit more of myself.” Antía also shares that feeling of mild disappointment: “It felt a bit bittersweet because I was well prepared, but things didn’t work out as expected. Fourth and sixth place are good results, but I could’ve fought for more.” Beyond the results, they all admit to enjoying the journey, even those who didn’t make it to Paris, like Gerard and Silvia, are already thinking about Los Ángeles. “My Olympic cycle was a bit bumpy —Gerard admits—. An injury to my Aquiles’ heel kept me from the Games, but that’s extra motivation to train hard during the next cycle.” An optimistic view of the future that Silvia also shares: “When I was the closest to the Games after recovering from my injury, I was left out. I’ve seen the ugly side of sport and that has made me better, I have no doubts that I’ll get back to the top.” Injuries have affected the prep of several athletes; the one suffered by judoka Niko Shera, who has also already set his sights on Los Ángeles, was particularly bad: “I have European, World, Grand Slam and Masters medals, I’m only missing the Olympic medal, so all I’m thinking about is recovering well and trying again.”

Marco Sansavini, president of Iberia, alongside athletes from the Iberia Talento a bordo Team.

Someone who hasn’t lost her smile after her excellent performance in Paris is Irene: “My cycle ended the best way possible, by competing in the final of the Games and beating my personal best. I’ve achieved a goal I’ve been chasing for a really long time.” Someone else who’s pleased with his progress during the cycle is Rodrigo: “If I had to give myself a grade, I’d give myself an A. I was only missing the plus at the final because the medal was within reach, but our lack of experience cost us, and we had to settle for fifth place.” Because medals are awarded based on minute details, which are the main obsession of one of the team members who managed to step onto the podium in Paris. “I’m always trying to surpass myself —Marcus declares—, so I decided to compete in two categories. I’m still savouring the success of winning the bronze, but I’m already thinking about finding a new, even tougher challenge. The other athlete who won a medal was Paralympic swimmer Sarai Gascón, who added a bronze to her extensive collection: “These were my fifth Games and I enjoyed them to the max. Diving in the pool, seeing the full stadium (which didn’t happen in Tokyo because of COVID), and feeling that support has been a unique experience!”

“Thanks to Iberia’s support I’ve been able to extend my sports career and continue doing what I love” — Ray Zapata

For climber Alberto Ginés, the Paris Games were a chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world and he seems excited about the future: “I want to hold onto the good feelings I’ve had in the last year and be in the best shape for the next Games. In Los Ángeles, the climbing categories will be split even further, so I’ll be able to focus on my speciality.” From the youngest, we move onto one of the veterans, gymnast Ray Zapata, who dreams of extending his career: “Thanks to Iberia’s support I’ve been able to extend my sports career and continue doing what I love. My assessment is positive because, by getting into the Olympic final, I’ve come close to the goals I set myself.” The pressure these athletes feel is huge and, even though the following Games seem far away, they have to get to work soon. “For now, we’re going to try new teammates, but we definitely need to train more and better, that’s the only secret to getting back to the Games,” Rodrigo assures us. “My goal now is to enjoy training again to get back to the top, but without setting myself a specific goal, just enjoying the journey and the people that support me,” confesses Antía. Among those people are Iberia’s employees, who said farewell to these athletes with a warm round of applause.