Monday, June 2, 2025
Iberia has reaffirmed its strong commitment to Spain’s top sporting talent by renewing the Talento a Bordo program for 2025, providing vital financial support and exclusive travel benefits to 14 promising Olympic and Paralympic athletes. This renewed partnership is designed to empower these elite competitors as they prepare for the highly anticipated Los Angeles 2028 Games, ensuring they have the resources and seamless mobility needed to excel on the international stage and bring glory to Spain.
Iberia is once again demonstrating its dedication to sports and athletic achievement by renewing its Talento a Bordo initiative in 2025. This year, the airline is proudly backing a distinguished group of 14 Olympic and Paralympic athletes, providing them with vital support as they prepare to compete at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The Talento a Bordo program is designed to accompany these elite athletes throughout the four-year Olympic cycle, empowering them with resources and travel benefits essential for their demanding international competition schedules.
A Celebrated New Cohort Joins the Team
This year’s Talento a Bordo roster welcomes four standout athletes who made waves at the recent Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. María Pérez, an athletics champion, earned a remarkable double haul of gold and silver medals, showcasing her outstanding prowess on the track. Sara Andrés, a para-athletics finalist, impressed with her skill and determination. Alfonso Cabello, competing in para-cycling, added to his decorated career with silver and bronze medals, reaffirming his elite status. Bea Ortiz, a key player in Spain’s water polo team, not only secured a gold medal but was also recognized as the world’s best player in 2024, highlighting her extraordinary impact in the sport.
These four accomplished athletes complement the existing core of nine Iberia-supported sportspeople who have been part of Talento a Bordo since previous Olympic cycles. The returning members include Adriana Cerezo, a dynamic taekwondo competitor; Rodrigo Conde, a powerful rower; Marcus Cooper, an elite canoeist; Gerard Descarrega, a para-athlete with exceptional skill; Sarai Gascón, a para-swimmer with a record of excellence; Hugo González de Oliveira, a competitive swimmer; Antía Jácome, a dedicated rower; Silvia Mas, an accomplished sailor; Niko Shera, a skilled judoka; and Ray Zapata, a talented gymnast.
Comprehensive Support Tailored for Athletic Success
Iberia’s commitment goes beyond symbolic endorsement. The airline is providing each athlete with a financial grant that will assist them in covering essential expenses related to training and competition preparation. In addition, the airline is offering generous travel benefits, ensuring seamless mobility for these athletes as they compete across continents in the lead-up to Los Angeles 2028. Every member of the Talento a Bordo team will receive the Iberia Plus Gold card, granting them exclusive perks and privileges on all Iberia flights, including priority boarding, additional baggage allowance, and access to airport lounges.
By facilitating hassle-free travel and financial backing, Iberia helps alleviate some of the logistical challenges athletes face, allowing them to focus fully on their performance and ambitions. This support plays a crucial role in maintaining their competitive edge and enabling regular participation in international events, crucial for qualification and ranking in their respective disciplines.
Celebrating Athletic Achievement and Innovation
The announcement of the new Talento a Bordo team took place at Espacio Iberia, the airline’s innovative pop-up space dedicated to showcasing its latest onboard features and services. This venue provided a dynamic backdrop to highlight both the spirit of athletic excellence and Iberia’s commitment to innovation in customer experience.
Joining the athletes were key figures including Juan Cierco, Iberia’s Corporate Director, who reaffirmed the airline’s dedication to supporting national talent and promoting sportsmanship. Also present was Pau Gasol, the celebrated basketball legend and Iberia’s cultural change ambassador, who offered inspirational words underscoring the importance of resilience, passion, and teamwork — qualities embodied by the Talento a Bordo athletes.
A Vision Aligned with National Pride and Global Ambition
Iberia’s Talento a Bordo initiative reflects the airline’s broader mission to foster national pride by uplifting Spain’s top sporting talent on the world stage. By investing in these athletes’ journeys, Iberia not only supports their individual dreams but also enhances Spain’s reputation as a powerhouse in the Olympic and Paralympic arenas.
The partnership exemplifies how corporate backing can create lasting positive impact in sports, offering athletes the stability and encouragement needed to strive for excellence. As these 14 athletes embark on the challenging road to Los Angeles 2028, Iberia’s support remains a vital pillar of their pursuit of Olympic glory.
Iberia renews its powerful Talento a Bordo program for 2025, providing crucial support and exclusive travel benefits to Spain’s top Olympic and Paralympic athletes as they prepare for Los Angeles 2028. This partnership fuels their journey toward international success and national pride.
Looking Ahead to Los Angeles 2028
With just three years left before the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Talento a Bordo athletes are now stepping into a crucial stage of their training and readiness. The rigorous training, international competitions, and qualification events ahead will test their limits, but with Iberia’s continued partnership, these sports stars are better equipped to navigate the demanding journey.
Iberia’s ongoing support for these athletes underscores a mutual dedication to achieving excellence, demonstrating resilience, and proudly representing the nation. As these athletes aim to add new chapters to their distinguished careers, Talento a Bordo serves as a powerful testament to the airline’s role in championing elite sports and celebrating Spain’s finest talents on the global stage.
