The Antequera Indoor Match, held on Saturday, was a thrilling athletics event that saw several remarkable performances by Spanish and international athletes. The event, part of the World Athletics calendar, was organized by the Andalusian Athletics Federation and local athlete Francisco Urbano. It took place at the Centro de Tecnificación in Antequera, attracting 366 participants from various countries.
In the women’s 60 metres, Olympians Maribel Pérez and Jaël Bestué grabbed the spotlight. Pérez, who was recovering from an injury, achieved the RFEA European qualifying standard with a time of 7.21 seconds. Bestué also delivered a strong performance, clocking 7.24 seconds, which confirmed her existing European qualification. The presence of Olympic racewalking champion MarÃa Pérez in the stands further elevated the event’s atmosphere.
Mariano GarcÃa, known as “La Moto,” delivered an exciting performance in the men’s 1,000 metres. GarcÃa broke his own national record, completing the race in 2:16.21. His compatriot, Pablo Sánchez-Valladares, pushed him to the limit but was unable to match GarcÃa’s strong finish.
Esther Guerrero, at 35 years old, also made headlines by setting a Spanish record in the 2,000 metres. She crossed the finish line in 5:42.44, showcasing her enduring talent. Meanwhile, Marta GarcÃa, a European bronze medalist in the 5,000 metres, narrowly missed the 3,000-metre record but still secured a European qualifying time with a time of 8:51.63.
In the men’s 60 metres, a rising star, Guillem Crespi, delivered a personal best of 6.68 seconds. This impressive time earned him the U23 European standard and highlighted his growing potential in the sprinting world.
The event was a significant moment for Spanish athletics, with multiple national records broken and European standards achieved across several events. The atmosphere was electric as athletes pushed their limits and delivered memorable performances in front of an engaged audience.
The event’s success is a testament to the growth of athletics in Spain, with both seasoned competitors and emerging talents making their mark on the national and international stages. The organisers and local community also contributed to the event’s positive energy, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
As a part of the World Athletics calendar, the Antequera Indoor Match has cemented its place as an important fixture in the athletics season, with spectators eagerly anticipating future editions to witness more historic performances.
