Global tennis and Spanish sporting legend Rafael Nadal, a double Olympic champion, was given a moving tribute at the COE headquarters in Madrid.

Athletes, coaches, federation presidents, tennis club representatives, journalists and Nadal’s family and friends were in attendance at the COE to honour the Mallorca native, whose career at the very highest level spanned over two decades.

Upon his arrival in the auditorium, Nadal was greeted with thunderous applause from the audience as he took his seat alongside Alejandro Blanco, the president of the COE, and the event’s host, Juanma Castaño.

Various Olympic athletes were present, eager to share what Nadal represents to them in their careers. The first to express their thoughts were climber Alberto Ginés and taekwondo athlete Adriana Cerezo, the youngest participants who, interestingly, had never met Nadal in person. They both agreed that he is a huge role model both in and out of sports, joking about the idea of taking over his legacy.

The event continued with touching anecdotes from former water polo player Jennifer Pareja, canoeist David Cal, judoka Isabel Fernández, and canoeist Marcus Cooper, who shared their experiences with Nadal, particularly in the Olympic Village during different editions of the Games.

Finally, Rafa Nadal took the stage to receive enthusiastic applause and joined Alejandro Blanco, who highlighted how Nadal has transcended his sport.