Veteran Athlete Claims Andalusian Championships

Jose Manuel Cortes continues to add to his impressive athletic legacy, recently being crowned champion of Andalusia in the M40 category at the indoor track championships in Antequera, Málaga. This latest achievement builds upon a career highlighted by a gold medal at the Ibero-American Championship Huelva 2004.

A Seem Back at a Storied Career

Cortes is particularly remembered for his gold medal performance in the 800 meters at the Ibero-American Championship Huelva 2004, a pinnacle moment in a career filled with success and multiple medals in competitive Spanish championships. Even two decades later, his enthusiasm for competition remains undiminished. He previously achieved the title of M35 1,500m world champion in Malaga 2018 and continues to seek new challenges.

“I wanted a different challenge, to attempt myself in cross country. I was preparing quite well, but the championship was postponed and since I wanted to compete, I signed up for the 800 and 1,500 on the indoor track,”

Jose Manuel Cortes

Unexpected Success on the Indoor Track

Originally preparing for the cross country season, Cortes entered the indoor championships after the Spanish Master Championship in Hornachuelos (Córdoba) was postponed due to storms. He focused on quality training, looking for sensations, trying to obtain closer to the rhythms of the track, without setting specific time goals.

His performance exceeded expectations. In the 800 meters, he achieved a time of 1:56.89, stating, My legs felt very fine and I was very surprised by the mark I made of 1:56.89. I didn’t expect it at all. Especially because I was going with the uncertainty of not knowing the pace at which I could move.

The 1,500 meters proved to be a more tactical race, but Cortes finished strong, completing the last 400 meters in under a minute and finishing with a time of 4:13.95.

Looking Ahead to the Spanish Championship

Buoyed by these results, Cortes is now setting his sights on the Spanish Championship, to be held on the same track in three weeks, on March 7 and 8. He acknowledges the impressive level of competition in the master’s category.

He is currently considering whether to compete in both the 800 and 1,500 meters, leaning towards focusing on the 1,500, the event he most want[s]. However, his strong 800-meter time has also sparked his interest in maintaining a presence in that event, depending on his progress in the coming weeks.

Success for Ciudad de Lepe Club

The Ciudad de Lepe Club also celebrated success at the Andalusian Championship, with Pilar Cartes winning gold in the long jump with a personal best of 4.43 meters and securing a bronze medal in the 60 meters with a time of 9.07. Isabel María Madera finished fifth in the M50 1,500m with a time of 5:44.08.