Ibiza’s K4 Female Cadet Team Makes History
The Sant Antoni Nautical Club’s K4 Female Cadet crew has earned a bronze medal at the Spanish Sprint Championship, marking a first for Ibizan canoeing.
A Bronze Medal at the National Sprint Championship
Over the weekend, 81 clubs from across Spain gathered at the P ontillón de Castro reservoir in Verducido (Pontevedra) to compete. The Sant Antoni quartet—Gabriela Mendes, Odalis Posado, Laura Rubio, and Berta Sans—paddled their way to third place, finishing behind only the Cobres Nautical Club (Galicia) and the Mahón Maritime Club (Menorca).
How the Race Went Down
All events were raced over 500 metres under sunny skies. The team’s smooth synchronization and strong finishes helped them secure the podium spot, while the club overall placed 18th in the standings—a solid result given the high level of competition.
Standout Individual Performances
Gabriela Mendes shone in her first Cadet year, grabbing fifth place in both the K1 Cadete B and K2 Cadete events (partnering with Odalis Posado). Earlier that month she had already claimed triple gold at the Balearic Sprint Championship in K1, K2, and K4 alongside the same teammates.
Laura Rubio finished ninth in the Final C of K1 Female Cadet B, showing steady progress.
The Role of Berta Sans – A Last‑Minute Hero
Berta Sans, who normally rows for Club Nàutic Ciutadella (Menorca), joined the Sant Antoni K4 just two months ago after an unexpected withdrawal. Her quick adaptation proved crucial, and she also posted a personal best—fifth place in the K1 Female Cadet A category.
Coach Eduardo Prendes praised the change: “An urgent change that ended up having a very positive result.”
What the Coach Said
Prendes expressed pride in the girls’ perseverance: “They have worked with great perseverance and motivation for months and have achieved a great reward. Gabriela, Odalis, and Laura are still in their first season in the Cadet category, so the motivation to face next year is even greater after these brilliant results in Galicia.”
Looking Ahead
With a national medal already in hand, the team aims to build on this success. Continued training, stronger teamwork, and the experience gained from competing against the country’s best will set the stage for even higher achievements in the upcoming season.
Conclusion
The Sant Antoni Nautical Club’s K4 Female Cadet crew has proven that hard work and adaptability can lead to historic moments. Their bronze medal, combined with strong individual performances, highlights the bright future of Ibizan canoeing and inspires young athletes across the island.
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Images Credit: www.diariodeibiza.es