The Balearic delegation won seven golds, four silvers, and four bronzes in Las Palmas, with C.N. Palma de Mallorca as the standout club. Maria Antonia Burguera achieved four individual titles.
The 50-meter pool of C.N. Metropole 'José Feo', in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, was the venue for the 47th National Children's Swimming Championships, where the representation from the Balearic Islands delivered an outstanding performance. Between July 16 and 19, the 32 Balearic swimmers —12 male and 20 female— secured a total of 15 medals: seven gold, four silver, and four bronze, in addition to setting 14 new age group best territorial records (MMT).
Maria Antonia Burguera, the Queen of Freestyle
The star of the Balearic expedition was undoubtedly Maria Antonia Burguera Valens, a swimmer from C.N. Palma de Mallorca. At just 14 years old, she became the Spanish champion in four events: 200 freestyle (2:05.32), 400 freestyle (4:22.58), 800 freestyle (9:03.32), and 1,500 freestyle (17:13.86). As a highlight, she added a silver in the 100 freestyle (58.16). Her five times are new MMT for 14-year-olds, demonstrating an astonishing progression across all freestyle distances, from 100 to 1,500 meters.
The swimmer from C.N. Palma de Mallorca has made it clear that she is one of the most promising talents in Balearic and national swimming. Her dominance in long-distance events, with times approaching those of higher categories, places her in the spotlight for upcoming championships.
Eric Alegret and Chloe Mahoney, Other Notable Names from C.N. Palma
Another swimmer from C.N. Palma de Mallorca who shone brightly was Eric Vincent Alegret Pastor, aged 15. He won gold in 100 breaststroke (1:06.49) and 200 breaststroke (2:24.67), and silver in 50 breaststroke (30.51). All three times are new MMT for 15-year-olds, completing a full set in the breaststroke programme. His consistency and power in the water promise a bright future.
Meanwhile, Chloe Mahoney Vélez also added a title for C.N. Palma de Mallorca, although the source does not detail her events. The swimmer, like her teammates, contributed to the club's impressive tally, which featured five athletes with 18 individual entries and one relay.
A Delegation of 12 Clubs and 32 Swimmers
The Balearic representation consisted of swimmers from 12 clubs, with a total of 90 individual entries and three relay teams. The club with the most representatives was C.N. La Salle-Palma, with seven swimmers and 19 individual entries, followed by C.N. Palma de Mallorca (five athletes) and C.N. Inca (four swimmers and 13 events). Other participating clubs included C.N. Portus, C.N. Voltor Balear, C.N. Felanitx, C.N. Santa Eulalia Río, Club Natació Mallorca Swim, C.N. Eivissa, C.N. Calvià, A. Master Baleares, and Rafa Nadal Center Tennis Club.
The Balearic performance is not only measured in medals but also in the quality of the times. The 14 MMT demonstrate that the swimming talent in the Islands is thriving, with swimmers breaking age records with ease. For Mallorcan fans, watching young talents like Burguera and Alegret grow at C.N. Palma de Mallorca is a source of pride and hope for future national and international competitions.
The Summer National Children's Championships, which brings together the best swimmers aged 13 and 14 (born in 2011 and 2012), serves as a prelude to the elite. The results from the Balearic Islands, especially from C.N. Palma de Mallorca, confirm that the generational handover is assured. The next event for these young athletes will be the Junior National Championships, where they will aim to move up to higher categories.
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