Salomé Afonso makes history at European Indoor Championships
The runner became the first Portuguese athlete to win two medals at the European Indoor Athletics Championships.
Salomé Afonso, the 27-year-old Portuguese middle-distance runner, has etched her name into the history books by becoming the first Portuguese athlete to win two medals at the European Indoor Athletics Championships.
Competing in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, Afonso claimed silver in the 1500m and bronze in the 3000m, marking a groundbreaking achievement for Portuguese athletics.
Afonso’s journey to this historic moment has been one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering focus. Born in Lisbon, she began her athletic career at the age of 13, initially dabbling in football and basketball before finding her calling in track and field under the Sporting Clube de Portugal banner.
Over the years, she has accumulated numerous national titles and made her Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, though her performance there fell short of her expectations.
The 2022 season proved particularly challenging for Afonso, both personally and professionally. However, a change of scenery and coaching staff marked a turning point in her career.
Alongside her partner, Isaac Nader—who also medaled at the European Indoor Championships—Afonso relocated to Soria, Spain, to train under the guidance of Enrique Pascual, one of the most decorated coaches in the Iberian Peninsula.
Pascual’s influence has been transformative for Afonso. “He instilled in us the belief that we can achieve greatness, regardless of our nationality,” she shared in an interview with Público.
This mindset, coupled with her relentless work ethic, has propelled Afonso to new heights.
Her double medal win in Apeldoorn is a testament to her dedication. In the 1500m final, Afonso secured silver with a tactical and determined run, finishing behind Ireland’s Sarah Healy.
Just days later, she returned to the track for the 3000m, where she overcame an early stumble to clinch bronze in a thrilling race. Her performance not only showcased her physical prowess but also her mental fortitude.
Afonso’s success is even more remarkable given her decision to commit fully to athletics—a rarity in Portugal outside of football.
“Dedicating myself entirely to the sport allows me to optimize my performance and manage my daily routine effectively,” she explained. This full-time focus has clearly paid off, as evidenced by her historic achievements.
Looking ahead, Afonso has her sights set on the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she aims to build on her recent successes.
Her performance in Apeldoorn has not only boosted her confidence but also reignited hopes for Portuguese athletics on the global stage.
Reflecting on her historic weekend, Afonso remained humble yet ambitious. “I didn’t expect to medal in both events, but I wanted to challenge myself and prepare for the World Championships.
I’m proud to be the first Portuguese athlete to achieve this, but I hope I’m not the last,” she said, with a nod to her partner Isaac Nader, who also medaled in the championships.