The 2023 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup not only marks the end of a spectacular competition, but also a moving goodbye. Paloma del Río, the pioneer of sports journalism who has narrated nine summer and seven winter Olympic Games, has retired in the middle of an emotional tribute during the closing ceremony in Valencia.
The veteran journalist, a tireless advocate for minority and women’s sports, received standing ovations and tears of appreciation for her invaluable contribution to the industry and her tireless commitment to equality.
During the 2023 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup, Paloma del Río had her last narration, marking a milestone in her career.
Almudena Cid, a former gymnast and leading figure in rhythmic gymnastics, expressed with a broken voice the gratitude of generations of athletes: “You have given us your voice, which has been the soundtrack of our lives and sports careers, which reminds us of who we were and who are”. Almudena praised the values ??of Paloma del Río and highlighted her commitment to a more egalitarian world.
Paloma del Río, with a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, has been awarded Silver and Gold Medals from the Royal Order of Sports Merit, Ondas awards, recognition from the International Association of Sports Journalists, and many other honors.
His unmistakable voice has been the soundtrack to countless sports careers and historic moments on television and radio, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans.
Paloma del Río, in her latest work on RTVE, presented “Ya no quiero escondarme”, a video podcast that addresses the LGBTI reality in sports in Spain, once again demonstrating her dedication to relevant issues in today’s society.
With tears in her eyes and applause resounding in the Valencia pavilion, Paloma closed her microphone with a phrase by Lope de Vega: “I’m leaving, but not my soul.” With this warm goodbye, the world of journalism and sports says goodbye to an iconic voice and a tireless defender of less visible sports.
