The Universidad Católica de Murcia made its traditional appearance at the 44th National Sports Gala, organised by the Spanish Sports Press Association at the Teatro Calderón in Valladolid. The UCAM delegation was led by its president, María Dolores García, at an event that recognised the best athletes of the year, with a special focus on the winners of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including several athletes from our institution.

One of the most emotional moments of the night was the recognition of Saúl Craviotto, who has become the Spanish athlete with the most Olympic medals in history, together with his canoeing peers Rodrigo Germade, Marcus Cooper and Cristian Toro. The gala was also attended by Javier Hernanz, President of the Spanish Royal Canoeing Federation and former UCAM student and athlete. The award to Craviotto was presented by Alejandro Blanco, President of the Spanish Olympic Committee.

Outstanding among the award winners were racewalker María Pérez, double Olympic medallist in Paris, and the Spanish Women's Water Polo Team, Olympic champions, which includes UCAM athletes Bea Ortiz and Nona Pérez. The brilliant performance of the Paralympic athletes, who won 40 medals in Paris, many of them UCAM representatives, also received recognition, with a special mention for gold medallists Sergio Garrote and Íñigo Llopis.

Other prominent award winners were Ilia Topuria, UFC world featherweight champion; Jordan Díaz, triple jump gold medallist, whose award was presented by María Dolores García, UCAM President; the Spanish Men's Football Team, European and Olympic champions; and the Spanish Women's Football Team, winners of the Nations League. Furthermore, the sailors Diego Botín and Florián Trittel, Olympic sailing champions, have been honoured, as well as the former footballer Eusebio Sacristán, who has received an honorary award for his career. Real Madrid CF was also honoured for its successes last season, as were the men's and women's roller hockey teams. Paralympic swimmer Teresa Perales, with 28 medals in the Games, was given a special award.

Several UCAM athletes also took an active part in the gala, including athletes Diego García Carrera and Raquel González, weightlifter Lydia Valentín and canoeist Marcus Cooper, who acted as presenters of the ceremony at different points.