2024: La España femenina, ansiado oro olímpico para cerrar el círculo de un equipo de leyenda
Continuing with our review of an unforgettable aquatic 2024. And what to say if we delve into women's water polo. The culmination of a wonderful cycle with that long-awaited Olympic gold. A medal that thrilled us, that made us burst with joy. The most precious metal in the world of sports was won by the team, 12 years after their first conquest (a silver in that occasion) in the London Games. Paris will forever remain in our hearts.
The conquest began on July 27th at the Aquatic Center in Paris. Spain showed strength and beat France convincingly 15-6 to start Group B on the right foot. In the second group stage match, a more serious warning was issued. The defending champions, the United States, fell 11-13. Another great game by Miki Oca's team. 10-8 against Greece and 11-13 against Italy to complete a full sweep of victories of great value in a very tough group.
Canada awaited in the quarter-finals in the French capital. Another display of Spanish dominance, defeating the North Americans 8-18. In the semis, they faced the recent adversary in major competitions, the Netherlands. After the Fukuoka 2023 final and also losing in the 2024 European Championship final in Eindhoven a few months earlier, Spain was eager for vengeance.
Another dose of suffering followed, but the Spanish team emerged victorious in the penalty shootout (global score of 18-19). The revelation, Australia, stood in the way of the Olympic gold. The oceanic team gave a tough fight but ultimately fell. Tears, smiles. A unique generation. Laura Ester, Maica, Anni, Pili. They completed the puzzle.
SILVER IN EINDHOVEN AND BRONZE IN DOHA
In addition to that legendary Olympic gold, mention must be made of the aforementioned silver medal in the European Championship in Eindhoven in January after a very close final against the strong Dutch team following an impeccable journey by Miki Oca's players.
And the bronze in the World Championship in Doha in February after defeating Greece in the fight for the third world spot with an incredible goal from Elena Ruiz in the final second of the match. A truly fantastic year.
THREE GOLDS IN YOUTH CATEGORIES
Regarding youth categories, 2024 has been another demonstration that Spanish talent continues to flourish and that the generational relay is well secured for the coming years.
No less than three gold medals in youth categories for our women's water polo. The cadet team at the World Championship in Manisa (Turkey), the junior team at the European Championship in Zagreb (Croatia), and the youth team at the World Championship in Chengdu (China). Tremendous achievements.
MAXIMUM COMPETITION AT CLUB LEVEL
Turning our attention to club competitions, probably the most open and competitive year in recent times, with the inclusion of top clubs like Astralpool CN Sabadell and Assolim CN Mataró, and CN Sant Andreu with a winning project to stay at the top.
In the end, a distribution of titles: League title for Assolim CN Mataró by defeating CN Sant Andreu in the final, Copa de la Reina Iberdrola for CN Sant Andreu by defeating Astralpool Sabadell, and the Champions League title for Astralpool CN Sabadell by winning in the final against the Greek team Olimpiakos, with CN Sant Andreu and Assolim CN Mataró finishing third and fourth. And promotion to Liga Iberdrola 2024-25 for CD WP Iruña 9802.
RFEN Communication. Cover photo: Euphoria of the women's national team with the gold from Paris around their neck / (c) COE; below, several international medals of national teams and clubs / RFEN.
