In major tennis tournaments – “Grand Slams”, Masters 1,000… – a custom has been established in the winner before he leaves the court on his way to the locker room. He goes to one of the television cameras that have been broadcasting the game and the Alcaraz o Sinner on duty leaves a phrase, a drawing, an “emoji” or similar. Carlitos won the German Hanfmann in the second round of the Australian Open, took a marker and wrote: “Very encouraged with what is happening in Spain.” He returned the marker, joined his hands and made the gesture of praying. He then confessed that he was not very clear about how to transfer the pain felt by the Adamuz accident, more than 17,000 kilometers from Melbourne. «We are on the other side of the world, but that does not mean that we do not find out and do not follow the news that is happening in Spain. When we found out about the accident it was a bad experience for everything that is happening. I want to give a lot of support and encouragement to all the family members and to all those who have lost a loved one or family member. Let them know that, although we are far away, we are with them,” said number one.
It was not the only racket that conveyed its condolences to the victims of the accident. Paula Badosathe last Spaniard to fall in the women’s team, used her social networks: «My deepest condolences for the tragic accident that occurred in Adamuz. “All my love and support to the families and loved ones of the victims in these difficult times.”
Munar, Davidovich…Spanish tennis has not been immune to the drama experienced last Sunday night. The greatest, Rafa Nadalwho will be in Melbourne next weekend invited by the tournament, also joined the mourning of all of Spain: «My most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victims of the tragic accident that occurred in Adamuz. “I send you a big hug and all my support in these difficult times.”
One of the victims of the crashed Alvia was David Cordon Canofather of the Getafe player David Cordón Manchaknown as Davinchi. Cordón Cano was also player of the Spanish beach soccer team and lost his life on the train that was traveling towards Huelva. The former footballer had traveled to Madrid to watch Getafe’s match against Valencia (0-1) with his son. Davinchi, in the process of recovering from a torn meniscus in his left leg, was unable to play in the match, but he did witness the defeat with his father. Then came the drama with the accident and his death 48 hours later. Following the confirmation of his father’s death, Davinchi shared an emotional message on his Instagram account accompanied by ten photos of his father and his family. “I know that the Lord of Sorrows and the Virgin of Love have you at their side and together you will guide me throughout my life,” he stated. «You will fill me with strength in times of difficulty and I will always remember what you told us so much; always happy and moving forward. The Getafe footballer promised to honor his memory: «Everything I do in this life will always be for the biggest star I have in heaven. As they once told me “When the road gets tough, only the tough make the road.” You were always a fighter and you taught me that from the first moment. That is the greatest act of love I can do for you, to show that I can do anything and that I will never give up. I love you dad.”
The memory of the victims of the accident has gone beyond Spanish sport and the minutes of silence that have been and are being experienced this weekend in all national competitions. In one of the temples of European basketball, the OAKA in Athens, the court of the Panathinaikosthere was a prominent banner in the match against Kosner Baskonia. In the PAO ultras area, “Gate 13”, clearly visible, one could read: «From Greece to Spain, we feel your pain!». The minutes of silence were unanimous. At the Bernabéu before the win over Monaco; in Istanbul before Atlético’s draw against Galatasaray; in Prague with the visit of Barcelona; in Bergamo before Athletic Club’s victory; in the handball European Championship in Denmark; in Euroleague matches; in those of the Endesa League… all the Federations and competitions, without exception, from the elite to the lower categories, are showing their pain over the accident.
There are athletes for whom the drama has touched more closely. The champion of everything in badminton, Carolina Marínis from Huelva: «It is impossible not to feel immense pain for what happened in Córdoba. “I want to send my condolences and all my strength to family and friends of the victims of the train accident, as well as a speedy recovery to the injured.” Like the Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopezscorer of two goals against Slavia Prague: «My deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the Adamuz train accident. Our hearts are heavy due to the magnitude of the tragedy that has affected many of our countrymen. Infinite strength and much encouragement to the wounded. “We are all with you.”
For others, the journey of the crashed trains is very familiar. It is the case of Sergio Scariolocoach of Real Madrid, who has made that journey “hundreds of times” from his residence in Marbella to the capital: “I am, like everyone, horrified by the tragic accident. A line that I have followed hundreds of times in a Community that is also mine. My strongest hug to all the injured people, and those who have lost a loved one in the tragedy,” he wrote on social networks and then declared: “It is an incredible tragedy. We can only express our support to the families of the affected people. It is my region in Spain, a route that I have taken a hundred thousand times and will continue to take. Really, it’s hard for you to think what could have happened.”
Real Madrid, in the midst of the turmoil experienced in recent days, also showed its solidarity. He did it both at club level and through his great star, Mbappéand his new coach, the blackboard. «I wanted to have a thought for all the victims of Córdoba. I have seen what has happened and I think of all the families, the fathers, mothers, sisters, who have lost people in their family. We think about them without forgetting that there are things much more important than football,” said the Frenchman before facing Monaco. «I would like to convey my most sincere condolences to all the family and friends of the tragic accident in Córdoba. From Real Madrid we send you our affectionate love and all our support,” commented the coach. And some historical figures of Spanish sport also showed their regret. «Following with sadness the updates of the train accident in Adamuz. My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and all my encouragement and strength to those injured after this tragedy. Although many of us are far away, our thoughts are with all those affected,” he published. Pau Gasol in X from London.
Jose Manuel Calderonfrom Cleveland where he resides, commented: “From afar following every minute of what happened in Adamuz… Afternoon of sadness, helplessness… My thoughts and support to all the victims and affected families.” The Olympic champion and double world champion in walking, the Grenadian Maria Perez He also expressed his pain over the tragedy: «My condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the accident in Córdoba. And my best wishes to the injured people. Spanish sport honored the memory of the Adamuz victims.
