The project will allow elite athletes the opportunity to study at the UCAM, while continuing their high-level training, with the aim of obtaining recognised qualifications to ensure greater job prospects once their sporting careers have come to an end.

Among the athletes signing up to the initiative were Olympic triathlete Mario Mola, runner-up to compatriot Javier Gómez in this year's World Triathlon Series.

"While our efforts will concentrate primarily on athletic performance, we are aware of the need to continue shaping us," said the 24-year-old.

Tennis player Nico Almagro, currently ranked inside the world's top-40, is also enrolled as is double European women's high jump champion Ruth Beitia, Athens 2004 men's shot put bronze medallist Manolo Martinez, 800 metres runner Antonio Reina and discus thrower Frank Casañas.

Canoeists Samuel Hernanz and two-time world champion Teresa Portela are also set to take up studies at UCAM, as are swimmers Merche Peris, Bea Gómez and Ignacio Judith and Paralympians Gerard Descarrega and three-time Paralympic gold medal-winning skier Jon Santacana.

COE President Alejandro Blanco (front, third from left) poses with some of the Spanish athletes set to begin studies at the UCAM ©COE



The ceremony was held at COE headquarters in Madrid and was attended by a number of leaders of athletes groups in Spain, including Luis Rubiales, President of the Association of Spanish Footballers, and Alfonso Reyes, head of the Professional Basketball Players Association.

COE President Alejandro Blanco praised the efforts and achievements of the athletes enrolling and highlighted the importance of combining sporting and academic careers.

"For most humans [it] is impossible to aspire to what you do," added Blanco.

"So we feel an obligation to facilitate your academic training.

"Only education will enable you to succeed in the real competition, which is life."

UCAM President José Luis Mendoza reinforced his intention to "continue to support athletes and professional teams".

"Thousands of young people will follow you and [to them] you [highlight] your exercise capacity and sacrifice.

"You deserve the support the COE and UCAM will offer even beyond your sport."

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