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Forero Wins U20 Women’s Race and Leads Spain to Title

By mitchpa on December 18, 2022 • ( 0 )

By Clay Shaw
Photography by Clay Shaw and Karen Mitchell

Turin, Italy, Piemonte-La Mandria Park, December 11, 2022, SPAR European Cross-Country Championships—Maria Forero of Spain won the U20 women’s title in 13:04 on the 3.812 KM course. Much to her delight, the Spanish team won gold as well. Iraia Mendia was ninth and Antia Castro was eleventh to give Spain the win in a close battle with Turkey. Germany earned the bronze title.

Ingeborg Ostgard of Norway was second overall in 13:07. Ilona Mononen of Finland was third, one second back. Innes Fitzgerald of Great Britain was fourth in 13:15. Jane Buckley of Ireland was fifth in 13:22.

Flash Interviews Courtesy of the Event

Maria Forero, Spain, Gold 13:04
“To be honest, I feel incredible. I can’t really find the words to explain how I am feeling right now. It’s a gold medal – an individual medal at European level, and on top of that it is gold. I didn’t really expect to win with such a margin over the other girls, let alone take lead at such early stage. I felt really strong, but not in my dreams did it occur to me I could have won in the way that I did. I came out as strong as I could, and realised I had some advantage over the other athletes. I went for it with no fear because of that. Over the last year, I changed my training base, but kept training hard as usual. I decided to focus on some of the aspects that I had to improve, and I feel I improved my overall lifestyle, which, in turn, has allowed me to become a stronger competitor. When I was told that we came first as a team, I felt twice as happy – especially for the girls. We knew we had a stong team but it would be a tough ask, so it was a very pleasant surprised to take the team win, too.”

Ingeborg Ostgard, Norway, Silver 13:07
“It was a tough competition so I am really happy with the silver today. I tried to not run too fast in the first two laps so that I could run faster in the last hill. Our team is very strong and we are helping each other. I think we have a good team spirits. It is fun to travel with the other guys. My plan now is: holiday at first and then going to the training camp. Maybe also some indoor competitions in winter. I am planning to run 1500m.”

Ilona Mononen, Finland, Bronze 13:08
“Coming to the race, I was ready to just follow the group and not to get too far. We worked together and I am really happy with the bronze medal. It is true that the course was quite tough. But actually I think it was really great for me because we have been doing long hills trainings during the fall and then the downhills, I had to watch myself to not get injured. So the course was OK. That is definitely true, that the cold weather suits me better. It is not the best conditions but considering the girls from Spain and other warm countries, this worked better for me than for them, probably. I do not have any family members with me here. They do not travel. But I am sure they were all watching at home and I have my team mates and coaches and they are great.”

Editor’s Note: In international cross country, U20 means “under 20 years old,” currently born no earlier than January 1, 2003. U23 means “under 23 years old,” or born no earlier than January 1, 2000. Senior currently refers to athletes athletes born 1999 or older. Athletes may choose to move up to the senior division even though eligible for the younger categories. The categories are determined by birth year as opposed to birthdates.

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