Madrid Marathon. Next edition: 28 April
Madrid recently presented its third bid to host the Olympic Games and we all hope the International Olympic Committee stays true to the saying “third time lucky”.
I have very fond and vivid memories of the fabulous Los Angeles ’84 games where my sport, basketball, finally came of age when we reached the Olympic final itself. Our now-legendary team, coached by Díaz Miguel and starring such players as Corbalán, Fernando Martín, Epi, etc, went for gold against the host nation’s dream team led by the great Michael Jordan.
Though I was only a teenager at the time, I still recall watching that unforgettable final and how it convinced me to pursue my dream to one day become a professional basketball player and represent my country just like my heroes from ’84.
Mutua Madrid Open. Next edition: 3-12 May
Our city deserves to finally be allowed to host the greatest sporting event on Earth and not only because Madrid is the only major European capital not to have done so. It deserves the chance as it has both the capacity and the necessary infrastructure, not to mention a great passion and ability for sport. But, above all, because Madrid has a dream to fulfil: a dream which has been growing steadily for many years now.
Sport has the power to move the world. We, the people of Madrid, also wish to move the world through sport and to enjoy the honour of hosting the greatest show on Earth. Madrid should be an Olympic city. Madrid 2020 would be an event to inspire future generations, just as the ’84 Olympics inspired me.
La Vuelta bike race. 2013 final leg: 15 September
José Miguel Antúnez