Spanish athletes face Olympic qualification shifts

Spanish athletes are navigating changes in their paths toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games due to tournament withdrawals and competition schedules.

In shooting sports, the Royal Spanish Shooting Federation has decided to withdraw from the 2026 World Championships in Doha, Qatar. This decision follows recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Higher Sports Council (CSD) regarding security concerns. The withdrawal means that Fátima Gálvez, a former Olympic gold medalist and recent European champion, will have to wait until 2027 to pursue her qualification for the 2028 Olympics.

In surfing, seven Basque athletes will participate in the ISA World Surfing Games 2026, held in Punta Rocas, Peru, from November 6 to 15. The event serves as a primary qualifying stage for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The Basque contingent will represent three different national teams: Spain, Germany, and France. Notable participants include Championship Tour surfer Nadia Erostarbe and Janire González-Etxabarri. The Spanish roster was recently adjusted after Yago Domínguez withdrew due to a fibula fracture, with Jacobo Trigo taking his place.