María Pérez and Quique Llopis, central figures in the image
RFEA Sportmedia
The Spanish athletics family gathered at the Auditorio Príncipe Felipe in Oviedo to celebrate the 2025 Spanish Athletics Gala, an event that once again honored the season’s standout performers across all categories. María Pérez and Quique Llopis were recognized as the best Spanish athletes of 2025, following a year of consolidation at the international elite level, marked in both cases by consistent competition and appearances at major events.
The racewalker from Granada continues to build on an already historic career in Spanish athletics, earning this award for the third consecutive time. Under the guidance of Jacinto Garzón, she has maintained her status as a global reference in race walking, thanks to her results in a historic 2025 season for her. For the first time since the creation of the prestigious World Athletics Awards, an athlete from Spain has been named Best Athlete of the Year ‘Outside the Stadium’, awarded to María Pérez in recognition of her overall performance, which included two world titles at the past World Championships in Tokyo in the 20 km and 35 km race walk events.
Quique Llopis, meanwhile, has confirmed his steady rise in the 110m hurdles, establishing himself as one of the leading European figures in the event. After a solid indoor season, during which he equaled his own national record in the 60m hurdles with 7.48, he carried that form outdoors, running a spectacular 12.98 (+2.3) to once again claim the national outdoor title. Additionally, at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, he made the nation dream again, finishing a strong fourth place.
In the technical category, Jacinto Garzón, coach of the award-winning María Pérez, received the ‘José Luis Torres’ Award as Coach of the Year. Valentín Rocandio, coach of the Best U20 Athlete Ander Garaiar, was honored as the Best Coach of the Allianz Generación Atletismo program.
In the junior categories, María Forero and Abel Jordán were recognized as the best U23 athletes, while Sofía Santacreu and Ander Garaiar took the honors in the U20 category. Aitana Alonso and Hugo Casañas were awarded as the best Allianz Generación Atletismo athletes, an accolade that rewards progress and emerging talent.
The Catalan Athletics Federation was distinguished as the best regional federation for the 11th time, consolidating its consistency in results and structure. In the club category, Facsa-Playas de Castellón received the award for best male club, extending its competitive dominance, while Diputación Valencia C.A. took the honor in the female category, returning to the winners’ list after several years and cementing its status as the most decorated club in this category.
In the special recognition segment, María Vasco received the Iberdorla BeAthleticsWomen Award for her career and contribution to women’s athletics. The Sporting Foundation was honored with the Equality and Diversity Award for its efforts toward a more inclusive sport.
María Vasco
RFEA/Sportmedia
The awards for best organizers once again reflected the high level of the national calendar, featuring meetings and events that stand out both for their athletic results and organizational capacity, reinforcing Spain’s position as an international reference in athletics.
The Gala was attended by institutional and sports representatives, in an edition that once again highlighted a year of high competitive standards, both in terms of results and the structural development of Spanish athletics.
All the winners at the Spanish Athletics Gala
RFEA/Sportmedia
The complete list of awardees: