María Pérez, Off-Track Athlete of the Year at World Athletics Gala

Published on January 06, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
María Pérez, Spanish race walker, smiling elegantly on the red carpet at the World Athletics gala in Monaco, holding the off-track athlete of the year trophy, wearing an evening dress and with the luxurious event background.

María Pérez, Off-Track Athlete of the Year at the World Athletics Gala

The Spanish athlete María Pérez has received one of the most significant honors of her professional career by being awarded the off-track athlete of the year during the prestigious annual World Athletics ceremony held in Monaco. This recognition, which values social impact and the ability to inspire above mere chronometric records, caps an absolutely historic campaign for the Granada race walker, who this summer conquered two world titles in the 20 and 35 kilometer distances. 🏆

An Award that Transcends the Stopwatch

The "Off-Track" award focuses on the human dimension and charisma of María Pérez, praising her not only as a dominant competitor in her specialty, but as an influential personality who connects with a global audience. Her authenticity, closeness to fans, and narrative of effort and overcoming are values that the international federation has wanted to highlight, thus recognizing her crucial role as an ambassador for athletics and a role model for young athletes worldwide.

Keys to Her Influence:
  • Authenticity and Charisma: Her naturalness and constant smile have made her a very beloved figure, transcending the sports niche.
  • Connection with the Public: She knows how to communicate her passion and her story, generating identification and admiration.
  • Example of Resilience: Her career, marked by consistency, serves as a model of personal and professional overcoming.
This award is a perfect crowning achievement. It recognizes that, in addition to being a great champion on the track, María is an inspiration off it, something equally valuable for our sport.

The Consecration of a Legendary Year

This international recognition serves as the finale to an unforgettable 2023 in the athlete's career. Her double feat in Budapest, achieving world gold in 20 km and, just four days later, in the novel 35 km distance, established her as the ultimate dominator of race walking on a planetary level. Her presence at the Monaco gala, sharing the stage with the greatest stars of world athletics, definitively certifies her entry into the Olympus of this sport, consolidating a progression based on exceptional talent and tireless dedication.

Milestones of Her 2023 Season:
  • Historic Double in Budapest: Gold in 20 km walk and gold in 35 km walk at the same World Championships.
  • Absolute Dominance: She demonstrated unparalleled versatility and physical endurance in the specialty.
  • Global Projection: The World Athletics gala projects her image to a massive international audience.

A Bright Future with Feet on the Ground

Undoubtedly, this is a well-deserved recognition for an athlete who, in addition to advancing faster than anyone else, knows how to leave an indelible mark with her positive attitude and combative spirit. The challenge now is to integrate this new and symbolic trophy into her showcase, where her two world gold medals already shine brightly, and to maintain the humility and hunger that have taken her to the top. Spanish and world athletics has in María Pérez a total champion, on and off the stadium. ✨