Barcelona, Spain.—Carlos Alcaraz defended his title at Wimbledon and tied Rafael Nadal with two titles in the famous English tournament. The Murcian matched the Mallorcan at just 21 years of age. He defeated Novak Djokovic this weekend (perhaps the best player in history), who is a seven-time champion of the tournament, very easily: in three sets (6-2, 6-2, and 7-6).
With this Sunday title, "Carlitos" equaled Manolo Santana and Arantxa Sánchez Vicario in second place among players with "Grand Slam" titles in Iberian history. Only "Rafa" surpasses them.
But hours later, the victory of the soccer national team that won the Eurocup came in. They are now the Spaniards with the most "orejonas." The recent title crowned them as the most decorated national team of the 21st century. No other team has 3 Eurocups, a World Cup, and a Nations League. A collection of successes that puts them ahead of Brazil, which has four (one World Cup and three Copa América).
By the way, Argentina's triumph (which crowned them as the national team with the most South American titles in history) was celebrated here as a Spanish victory. Lionel Messi, although "albiceleste," is considered a favorite son of Catalonia and an investment of Barcelona FC.
But what does this country have that wins titles, medals, and generates a great economy around sports? Do you know how many millions of euros are made just from jerseys and souvenirs?
It’s not about superhumans born here or Martians living here; it’s about a whole infrastructure from governments, state policies, and private groups that make investments in sports. Support in every municipality, autonomous regions, and clear plans from the Spanish Congress. And of course, incentives for those who succeed.
In the last La Liga season, three teams were relegated to the second division: Almería, Granada, and Cádiz. But Valladolid, Leganés, and Espanyol were promoted because they made a great effort. In other words, success is rewarded, while failure has its consequences.
It’s time, and perhaps now that a new government is starting, to stop with squabbles, frivolities, nonsense, excuses, trivialities, minutiae, and foolishness, and start a sports policy that offers us health, excitement, and joy.
As we are organized, we will go nowhere and continue losing as always. It’s time to agree to succeed in sports.
CONCLUSION.
- We have top talents: Toro Valenzuela, Lorena Ochoa, JC Chávez, Ana Guevara, Canelo, and Hugo Sánchez.
- Joaquín Capilla, María del Rosario Espinoza, Raúl González, Soraya Jiménez, and Ernesto Canto are also great examples.
- The adults have a large part of the blame.
BY GUSTAVO RENTERÍA
COLLABORATOR
GUSTAVO@GUSARTELECOM.COM.MX
@GUSTAVORENTERIA