Spanish badminton prospect Álvaro Gómez has earned his first selection to the national team, competing this week at the U15 European Championships in Sotra, Norway. The 12-year-old athlete, who resides in Vigo, secured his spot on the roster following a successful season on the domestic circuit and has already recorded three victories in the Norwegian tournament.
A debut on the international stage
Gómez traveled to the coastal island of Sotra to represent Spain alongside teammates Xulia Otero and Pedro Jesús Carmona. Reflecting on his selection, Gómez stated, “I was expecting the call because I have had a very good season, but even so, I was very happy.” The tournament is the first major achievement for the young player, who will turn 13 in December.
His performance in Norway has been productive. Competing in the early stages of the championship, Gómez and Otero secured a two-set victory over a Norwegian duo and subsequently defeated a Polish pair in three sets. In his pairing with Carmona, Gómez earned a straight-sets win over two Ukrainian opponents.
The training routine in Vigo and Pontevedra
Gómez’s path to the national team is the result of a rigorous training schedule that balances academic responsibilities with high-performance athletics. He trains primarily with the Escola Rosalía club in Vigo on Mondays, following his school day. From Tuesday through Friday, he commutes to the Galician Center for Sports Technification in Pontevedra, where he undergoes specialized training under the guidance of Rafael Vázquez, who accompanied the team to Norway.
His father, Jesús, noted that Gómez’s interest in the sport began early. “Álvaro has been playing badminton almost since he was in the cradle,” his father said, adding that the athlete was never forced into the sport but developed a natural affinity for it after accompanying him to the pavilion at the age of four.
A season of national success
The national team call-up followed a series of strong results throughout the year. Gómez finished the season as the champion of the U15 National Territorial Selection Tournament, where he remained undefeated across nine matches. His domestic record also includes a Galician U15 title and runner-up finishes in both U13 and U15 categories at national championships held in Granollers and Cartagena.
Beyond his domestic achievements, Gómez has gained international experience at various youth tournaments. He claimed victory at the first Youth Portugal U15 competition and earned a runner-up finish at the Spanish Andalusian International U15 event.
Connections to Sober
While his training and competition schedule keep him in Vigo and abroad, Gómez maintains strong ties to his family’s roots in Sober. The family visits the area at least once a month to see his grandparents, and Gómez recently participated in the local grape harvest. “It is my second home; I go there regularly and I love it,” he said.
Spanish contingent seeks advancement in Norway championships
The U15 European Championships in Norway continue through the week as the Spanish contingent looks to advance further in the bracket. The competition serves as the current checkpoint for Gómez, who remains in Sotra for the duration of the event.
Worth a look
