Miguel Alvariño Garcia (As Pontes de García Rodríguez, A Coruña, May 31, 1994) is a world archery superstar. The Spanish goalkeeper achieved eleven international medals in 2022 including individual European gold, team silver and victories in the World Cup. All this after overcoming the professional moment, and one of the most difficult on a personal level, after being left out of the Tokyo Games due to a controversial decision when she had obtained the place. “Running out without going caused a big mess in my head. On a mental level I had the risk of getting a depression because I had a terrible time. I had two options: that he kill me, that is, leave the sport; Or make me stronger. I assumed that the world was not ending and now I see archery from another point of view since before I needed to show that I was the best, win medals… when I really don’t have to prove anything to anyone”, he explained to AS after proclaiming himself continental champion.
At the European Games in Poland, he has given a new example of his talent, achieving gold in the mixed recurve with Elia Canales, which includes tickets for Paris 2024; and in individual recurve he has shown that in the French capital he is a clear contender for the gold medal after winning silver in Poland, destroying rivals, including the Turkish Gazoz, current Olympic champion, in the quarterfinals, and only being defeated in the final (2-6). by the German Florian Unruh, runner-up in the world in 2017. “By not going to Tokyo, I lost the option of having an ADO Scholarship and others, but I was always a person who saved,” the 29-year-old goalkeeper explained to this medium. Now as a serious candidate to give medals to the COE in Paris, the future smiles at ‘Maikel’ and at Spanish archery. Alvariño’s great performance was very well seconded by Pablo Acha González (26 years old) who took the bronze medal in the same specialty after winning third and fourth place against Moldovan Olaru 7-1.
The good news in Krakow also came in whitewater canoeing with the gold medal (in principle they achieved gold but a later penalty after a review relegated them to second place for one more touch… and a new claim brought them back to success ) with the trio David Llorente, Miquel Travé and Pau Echaniz (the women’s K1 team finished third but lost bronze after a French claim); and the qualifications for the semifinals (Saturday) of David Llorente (6th), Pau Echaniz (11th), Laia Sorribes (12th), Maialen Chourraut (17th) and Miquel Travé (34th). Only Olatz Arregui was eliminated and did not agree to this round.
Besides, Carolina Marín reached the badminton quarterfinals after defeating the Dutch Kim Schmidt in two sets (21-9 and 21-12). In Olympic shooting, everything to be decided on Friday with Fátima Gálvez (5th), Andrés García (11th), Mar Molné (12th) and Adriá Martínez (23rd). In beach soccer, the women’s national team defeated Italy on penalties after finishing the first round group match 0-0; and the men’s game swept Azerbaijan 7-1. In the mixed relay of the modern pentathlon, fifth place Aleix Heredia and Andrea Medina, 22 points behind the bronze. On Saturday, the women’s individual final with Laura Heredia, already qualified for Paris 2024, in competition.