SANTO DOMINGO– Dominican athlete Marileidy Paulino was awarded the Ibero-American Community Trophy , a recognition bestowed by the Spanish government upon the most outstanding athletes internationally. The award was presented by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain during a ceremony held at El Pardo Palace in Madrid.
The award recognizes the successes achieved by Paulino that year, especially the gold medal in the 400 meters at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, a result that made her the first woman from the Dominican Republic to win a world title in this discipline.
A recognition within the National Sports Awards
The Ibero-American Community Trophy is part of the National Sports Awards, distinctions granted annually by the Spanish Government to recognize athletes with international impact. This category recognizes the Ibero-American athlete with the greatest potential during the year under review.
Paulino, 29, was unable to attend the ceremony, so the Dominican ambassador to Spain, Tony Raful, accepted the award on his behalf. The ceremony was also attended by the Spanish Minister of Education, Vocational Training and Sport, Milagros Tolón.
From world champion to Olympic gold
The recognition is based on a recent career marked by high-level competitive achievements. After his victory in Budapest, Paulino repeated his success the following year by once again reaching the top of the podium at the Paris Olympic Games, solidifying his position as one of the leading figures in international athletics.
The 2024 award in this same category was given to Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, who won four medals in Paris, including gold in the floor exercise ahead of American Simone Biles. Andrade did not attend the ceremony, and the trophy was received by the chargé d'affaires of the Brazilian Embassy in Spain, Luiz Claudio Themudo.
A gala featuring international sports figures
Among the winners of the 2023 and 2024 editions were also FC Barcelona footballer Lamine Yamal and Manchester City player Rodri Hernández, the latter winner of the English league, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the Nations League with the Spanish national team before receiving the Ballon d'Or.
The midfielder's father, Antonio Hernández, accepted the award on his behalf as the footballer was unable to attend due to sporting commitments. Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí, the first player to win three consecutive Ballon d'Or awards, and Spanish athlete María Pérez, world and Olympic champion in race walking, were present to receive their accolades.
Also absent was Dutch swimmer Femke Bol, winner of the 2024 European Union Trophy after winning three medals in Paris, including gold in the 4x400 relay.
The awarding of these prizes places Paulino within a group of athletes recognized for their competitive impact and international projection, in a ceremony that brings together some of the leading figures in world sport each year.
Source: Ceremony of the National Sports Awards of the Government of Spain, held at the El Pardo Palace, Madrid.
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