At the age of 36, the reigning Olympic silver medalist finds herself twice as old, or more, than four of the eleven competitors she will face this Thursday in the snowboard halfpipe final at the Milan-Cortina Games.
This Thursday’s final will see Queralt Castellet compete in her sixth Olympic Games since her debut as a 16-year-old at Turín 2006. Her longevity in the sport is unparalleled in winter sports for Spain, placing her among the nation’s most decorated Olympians in terms of appearances. Only two Spanish athletes, José Ángel García Bragado with eight participations and Teresa Portela with seven, have represented Spain at more Games. She currently shares this distinguished tier with the legendary Manel Estiarte.
A Career of Perseverance and Podiums
Her journey to the pinnacle of the sport was one of sustained excellence and patience. Before finally ascending the podium at Pekín 2022 with a silver medal around her neck, Castellet had come agonizingly close, securing a diploma with a sixth-place finish at PyeongChang 2018. The entire Olympic cycle leading to these Games has been marked by her unwavering dedication and competitive spirit.
The experience gap between Castellet and much of the field is stark, highlighting a career that has spanned generations within the sport. Competing in Milán-Cortina 2026, she not only chases another medal but also cements her status as a living legend of Spanish winter sports, her career a testament to resilience at the highest level of athletic competition.