The Spanish Boxing Federation (RFEB) has announced a historic milestone: six Spanish boxers have qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the highest number since the current system was established in Barcelona '92, where Spain had seven representatives as the host nation.
A New Era for Spanish Boxing
The RFEB emphasized the significance of this achievement, noting that the number of qualified boxers surpasses the four representatives who competed in Tokyo. The federation stated,
"With time, we believe the magnitude of this achievement will be fully appreciated. Six Spanish representatives will be present in Paris. If what we achieved in Tokyo was considered a milestone, this goes even further."
The Elite Six: Who Made the Cut?
The six boxers heading to Paris include Ghadfa Drissi in the over 92 kg category, Oier Ibarretxe in 63.50 kg, and Rafa Lozano in 61 kg, who all qualified in the Bangkok Pre-Olympics. Additionally, José Quiles (57 kg), who competed in Tokyo 2020, Emanuel Reyes Pla (92 kg), who qualified in Busto Arsizio, and Laura Fernández (50 kg), the first Spanish female boxer to qualify for the Olympics, complete the roster.
Spain Leads Europe in Boxing Qualifiers
Spain now boasts the highest number of male qualifiers in Europe, surpassing traditional boxing powerhouses like France and Great Britain, and matching Cuba's tally of five. Emanuel Reyes Pla and José Quiles will be making their second Olympic appearances, joining the ranks of Spanish boxing legends like Enrique Rodríguez Cal and Rafael Lozano.
From Humble Beginnings to Olympic Glory
Ayoub Ghadfa Drissi, competing in the super heavyweight category, has established himself as one of the world's best over the past two years. His journey began after a loss at the Spanish Championships in Murcia 2017, demonstrating the resilience and dedication required to reach this level.
Paving the Way for Future Generations
The rise of women's Olympic boxing in Spain is exemplified by Laura Fuertes' historic qualification. The federation noted that her achievement should
"pave the way for future Spanish female Olympians."
The emergence of young talents like Oier Ibarretxe (21) and Rafa Lozano (19) in Bangkok indicates a bright future. These young athletes were initially being groomed for Los Angeles 2028 but have already made their mark by securing spots for Paris.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Paris
As Spain prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the focus will be on maintaining this momentum and building on the historic achievements of its boxers. With a mix of experienced athletes and promising young talents, the future of Spanish boxing looks brighter than ever.
Editor: Emiliia Morozova
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