Noelia González Fabelo and Kilian López Alonso, both from Telde and from CN Belén María, have shown that it is never too late to return to competition. After years of absence, they managed to qualify and finish among the best at the Summer Master Spain Championship.
Noelia González Fabelo, 40 years old, returned to competition in the pool after more than a decade focused on open water. Just four months after resuming training with CN Belén María, she qualified for the Summer Master Spain Championship and finished in 84th place out of 331 female swimmers in the +40 category. A result that she herself describes as "unexpected but very exciting."
"Feeling the water in the pool during competition was thrilling. I thought I could never do it again, but the support from the club and my perseverance paid off," González stated.
Kilian López's return, another story of perseverance
Kilian López Alonso, also from Telde and from the same club, resumed swimming last year after six years without competing. His progress has been steady: at the national championship, held in the pools of Navacerrada (Madrid), he achieved 51st place among 567 participants in the +40 category. "Every training day was a small victory. Getting here is the reward," he explained.
"What's important is not just the position, but proving to oneself that it is possible," López added.
Telde, present in the national master elite
Both athletes competed representing CN Belén María, based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, but they carried the name of Telde to one of the most significant master events in the country. The participation from Telde did not go unnoticed: the Telde City Council, through its Sports department, publicly congratulated the swimmers for their effort and results. "They are an example that age is not an obstacle to overcoming challenges," municipal sources stated.
For the residents of Telde, these stories represent a source of pride and an invitation to resume sporting habits. The Club Natación Belén María, which has swimmers from all over the island, offers master groups for adults who want to start or return to competition. "It is never too late. There is room for everyone here," commented a club spokesperson.
A championship with a taste of overcoming
The Summer Master Spain Championship brought together over 2,000 swimmers from across the country at the Navacerrada pool. The categories range from 20 to over 80 years old, and each participation is a story of overcoming. In the case of the swimmers from Telde, the achievement is double: returning after years of hiatus and placing in the middle of the table in highly competitive categories.
Noelia and Kilian are already planning their next season. "I want to keep improving my times and, who knows, maybe move up a few places next year," González said with a smile. López, for his part, aims to "enjoy every stroke and continue competing at the highest possible level." Both agree that swimming has returned their enthusiasm and a healthy routine that they recommend to any resident of Telde.
The sports councillor of Telde, present at the competition, revealed that the City Council is studying incentives for master athletes representing the municipality in national championships. "We want to support those, like Noelia and Kilian, who demonstrate that sport knows no age," he affirmed.
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