Naiara Liñán secured Andorra’s first medal in the history of the Mediterranean Games, taking bronze in the women’s -49kg taekwondo category in Taranto, Italy.

The Andorran athlete delivered a flawless performance at the Palazzetto Giovanni Paolo II on Saturday, defeating Lebanon’s Sara Saliba 2-0 in the opening round and Bosnia’s Dzejla Makas 2-1 in the quarter-finals. Liñán fell 2-0 to Croatia’s Sofija Hinic in the semi-finals, but the competition format awarded her bronze alongside France’s Sayine Krim, who lost in the other semi-final.

“I’m super happy to win a medal for Andorra. I’ve fought with all my strength,” Liñán said. She described the achievement as an unforgettable experience, noting her strong competitive form this year. The taekwondoin also served as Andorra’s flagbearer at the opening ceremony alongside petanque player Jon Fortes.

Liñán’s success follows a fourth-place finish at the European Championships in Munich and silver at the Bosnia Open.