Valentí Massana facts for kids
Valentín Massana Gracia (born July 5, 1970, in Viladecans, Spain) is a famous Spanish race walker. Race walking is a sport where athletes walk as fast as they can, but they must always keep one foot on the ground. Their front leg also needs to be straight when it touches the ground. Valentín holds the Spanish national record for the men's 50-kilometer walk. He set this record on March 20, 1994, in Ourense, with an amazing time of 3 hours, 38 minutes, and 43 seconds.
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Valentín Massana's Amazing Achievements
Valentín Massana had a fantastic career, winning many medals and setting records. He competed in some of the biggest athletics events in the world, showing great skill and determination.
Early Career and Junior Success
Valentín started his international career strong. In 1988, he won a silver medal at the World Junior Championships in Sudbury, Canada. He competed in the 10,000-meter walk, showing he was a rising star.
Winning Medals at Major Championships
Valentín Massana became a world champion and an Olympic medalist. Here are some of his most important achievements:
- World Champion: In 1993, Valentín won the gold medal at the World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany. He was the best in the 20-kilometer walk, a huge win for him and for Spain!
- Olympic Medalist: At the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, United States, Valentín earned a bronze medal in the 50-kilometer walk. This is a very tough event, and winning an Olympic medal is a dream for many athletes.
- World Championships Silver: He also won a silver medal at the World Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1995. This was for the 20-kilometer walk, showing his consistent performance.
- European Championships Bronze: In 1994, Valentín won a bronze medal at the European Championships in Helsinki, Finland, for the 20-kilometer walk.
Other Notable Performances
Valentín Massana consistently performed well at top events:
- 1990 European Championships: He finished 5th in the 20-kilometer walk in Split, Yugoslavia.
- 1990 Ibero-American Championships: He won a silver medal in Manaus, Brazil, for the 20-kilometer walk.
- 1991 World Indoor Championships: He placed 5th in the 5000-meter walk in Seville, Spain.
- 1991 World Championships: He finished 5th in the 20-kilometer walk in Tokyo, Japan.
- 1993 World Race Walking Cup: He won a silver medal in Monterrey, Mexico, for the 20-kilometer walk.
- 1999 World Championships: He placed 4th in the 50-kilometer walk in Seville, Spain.
- 2000 Olympic Games: He finished 4th in the 50-kilometer walk in Sydney, Australia, just missing another medal.
- 2001 World Championships: He placed 6th in the 50-kilometer walk in Edmonton, Canada.
Valentín Massana is remembered as one of Spain's most successful race walkers, known for his dedication and many achievements on the world stage.
See also
In Spanish: Valentí Massana para niños
