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22 years ago Valentin Massana achieved the gold medal at the world championships in the specialty of 20 km walk.
It was the first Spanish athlete and so far last, he managed the gold medal in a world championship in this distance.
Since yesterday, this has changed;
the student and athlete UCAM Murcia Miguel Angel Lopez, was proclaimed world champion in Beijing 2015 more than two decades after he did his compatriot.
Notably were endless expressions of support and congratulations from his University and sponsor, UCAM Murcia athlete received.
The Llano de Brujas is tells how after the big win and what their next targets.
How you are, you've been able to rest after the big race on Sunday?
-more Quiet but still with the euphoria of yesterday and assimilating all that has happened has been something big.
This is definitely my biggest sporting success.
The truth is it was a very difficult, very tough race.
These first few days are the most intense and now I'm assimilating and enjoying both.
Moreover, that already become world champion obviously has great significance, also worth noting that this is a gold medal in the discipline of march had only gotten two Spaniards, and Bragado Massana and 22 years ago, therefore Michelangelo is reinforced Still more so the importance of this medal?
For me it was an honor and a luxury to match a great champion like Valentin Massana, he has been a great reference.
Just when I started competing he retired and then I could meet him personally and has always motivated me.
In this regard, it remembers that besides the last 16 years for a gold medal in a world of Spanish athletics in all disciplines ago, then got Abel Anton in Sevilla 99, and many years have passed, and therefore power again hold gold is very important for the Spanish athletics.
You know you had many Spaniards following the race and not as members of the Catholic University.
What role did the UCAM in your career?
The UCAM has been instrumental over the years.
I started as part of my studies in 2007 at the university, but the relationship was already before, having been in the UCAM Athleo.
It has been a constant support for over 10 years and this university has helped me to continue to grow and fulfill a dream like this and thanks to her I can continue fighting by other important objectives such as the Olympic Games to be diputan next year Rio de Janeiro.
How do you combine a world champion his studies at the Faculty of Sport UCAM?
Obviously we can not bring the same academic life than other students, but we are taking the courses gradually.
The good news is that in the UCAM, through its program for athletes, always make it easy to combine study with elite sport and especially with the figure of personal tutor who helps you to better organize the study.
Eventually the Catholic University is a big family who wants to help.
Especially the president, José Luis Mendoza, who is always watching us so that we are good, we are happy with our professional activity and that motivates much to also study.
Studies are also very important, it is the future, and therefore we must bring them up.
Returning to the race on Sunday in Beijing, Was there any time during the course of the race did you think you could escape the gold medal on the contrary, the moment you said, gold is mine?
When the race finally broke at kilometer 14 and I saw him in position to challenge for a medal.
Before arriving at kilometer 15 I threw myself and I realized that the Chinese athlete was, and Ecuador as well.
Squeezed a little and reach Wang went first, he would just force, I went slowly approaching him, and knew it would be safe silver, but I could not settle for that, to be world champion was unique I had to take advantage when attacked Wang, the Chinese athlete ever said, but on the last lap and could no longer put me first.
From whom did you remember when you first proclaim champion?
When you enter the stadium, the time is for you, the course of the tunnel with the people, think of everything you've worked to get there, your family, people who are close and I have always supported.
Try to enjoy the moment of entering the stadium, which is beautiful.
Although a year is still to be held, do you see with the gold medal around his neck at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro?
Hopefully I can keep fit and be physically and psychologically.
Having a good year to do well to get me to fight for the Olympic Games medal.
It is what I want and go for it, if it were a gold and would be awesome, a great career culminating in the 20km walk.
Come up with the utmost enthusiasm, I hope all goes well.
Source: UCAM
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