Carmen Valero facts for kids
Carmen Valero Omedes (born October 4, 1955 – died January 2, 2024) was a super talented Spanish runner. She was especially good at middle-distance races, which are events like the 800 meters and 1500 meters. Carmen even represented her home country, Spain, at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada!
At the Montreal Olympics, Carmen competed in both the 800 and 1500 meters. She was the only woman on the Spanish track and field team for those Games, which was a really big deal! Even though she didn't win a medal there, just getting to the Olympics is an amazing achievement for any athlete.
A World Champion Runner
Carmen Valero was incredibly successful in another type of running called cross country. This is where runners race over natural terrain like grass, hills, and dirt paths, instead of a flat track.
She became a world champion in cross country not just once, but twice!
- In 1976, Carmen won the IAAF World Cross Country Championships.
- She won again in 1977, showing she was truly the best in the world.
- Before that, in 1975, she also earned a bronze medal, finishing third at the World Cross Country Championships.
Her victories made her a legend in Spanish athletics and showed everyone how dedicated and strong she was as a runner.
Her Legacy
Carmen Valero passed away on January 2, 2024, at the age of 68. She will always be remembered as a pioneering athlete who inspired many, especially young girls, to pursue their dreams in sports. Her achievements in cross country and her Olympic participation left a lasting mark on Spanish athletics history.
See also
In Spanish: Carmen Valero para niños
