Born: 1972 (Alicante, Spain)
Biography:
María Isabel Fernández Gutiérrez, born on February 1, 1972, in Alicante, is a Spanish judo athlete who has left an indelible mark on the sport. She is known as one of the few athletes who has achieved the triple crown: Olympic, world, and European gold.
Fernández’s sporting career spanned four Summer Olympics, from 1996 to 2008, during which she showcased her remarkable talent and determination. She amassed an impressive collection of medals, including a bronze at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 and a gold at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
The World Judo Championships also witnessed Fernández’s remarkable performances. Between 1997 and 2007, she secured four medals, including a gold in Paris in 1997 and a silver in Rio de Janeiro in 2007. Her dominance extended to the European Judo Championships, where she clinched a remarkable thirteen medals between 1995 and 2008.
Fernández’s achievements were not limited to the judo mat. At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, she had the honor of being the flag bearer for the Spanish team, a testament to her status as a respected athlete and ambassador for her country.
On January 8, 2009, Fernández surprised the sporting world by announcing her retirement from competition. She reflected on her career and declared it to be a remarkable experience, devoid of any negative memories. Her retirement marked the end of an era in Spanish judo, leaving behind a legacy that would inspire future generations of athletes.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Fernández’s journey extended into the political realm. She was included in the electoral list of the municipal elections of 2007 in the city of Alicante, representing the People’s Party (PP). Following her election, Fernández assumed various roles, including the Department of Housing and Presidency of the Housing Board. In September 2008, she was appointed Councillor for Sports of the Alicante City Council, a position she held until 2011.
One of Fernández’s most significant contributions outside of sports was the establishment of the Isabel Fernández Project. Alongside her husband Javier Alonso, Fernández recognized the potential of judo in improving the lives of individuals with autism. They collaborated with Ignacio Leyda, director and psychologist of the Infanta Leonor Center of Alicante for People with Autism, to initiate the project. Through investments from CAM, the project operated until 2012, witnessing positive transformations in the lives of young autistic individuals. Inspired by its success, Fernández and Alonso extended their project to Barcelona.
Isabel Fernández’s achievements and contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning her numerous accolades. While the available information does not provide a comprehensive list, her impact on the sport and society is evident. Her legacy continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of athletes.
Awards:
– Olympic Games:
– Atlanta 1996: Bronze Medal in the -56 kg category
– Sydney 2000: Gold Medal in the -57 kg category
– World Judo Championships:
– Paris 1997: Gold Medal in the -56 kg category
– Birmingham 1999: Silver Medal in the -57 kg category
– Munich 2001: Bronze Medal in the -57 kg category
– Rio de Janeiro 2007: Silver Medal in the -57 kg category
– European Championships:
– Birmingham 1995: Silver Medal in the -56 kg category
– The Hague 1996: Bronze Medal in the -56 kg category
– Ostend 1997: Silver Medal in the -56 kg category
– Oviedo 1998: Gold Medal in the -57 kg category
– Bratislava 1999: Gold Medal in the -57 kg category
– Paris 2001: Gold Medal in the -57 kg category
– Maribor 2002: Bronze Medal in the -57 kg category
– Düsseldorf 2003: Gold Medal in the -57 kg category
– Bucharest 2004: Gold Medal in the -57 kg category
– Rotterdam 2005: Bronze Medal in the -57 kg category
– Tampere 2006: Bronze Medal in the -57 kg category
– Belgrade 2007: Gold Medal in the -57 kg category
– Lisbon 2008: Silver Medal in the -57 kg category