Exultant Jessica Vall after winning bronze in the 200 breaststroke and breaking the Spanish record

The Catalan, the best of the participants in the last 50, acknowledges that this prize is a "dream come true. An example for me is Pedersen and I got on the podium with her. I couldn't believe it. I was speechless, I don't know how to express what I feel."

The race followed the plan designed by her coach, Jordi Jou. Swim at test pace, without going crazy, and give it all in the last length, taking advantage of Vall's speed when the resistance of the rivals decreases. "I had talked to my coach not to consider the race lost and give my best in the last turn. To do a progressive but without going crazy in the first three strokes. "My coach is the king of tactics. It's like he has a console and when he said squeeze, I did it." And it worked out great. But the race was historic because for the first time three swimmers tied for third place. That caused confusion for the swimmer from CN Sant Andreu. "I saw many threes and my touchpad wasn't lighting up. But if there are many threes, it means I also won bronze. Then I understood."

After three years dedicated to swimming, a discipline she combines with work, studies, and married life, Vall acknowledges that "I don't consider myself a talented girl, simply with perseverance and hard work, you can reach anywhere". And she warns that at 26 years old, she hasn't reached her limit yet. "This is not my peak. The bronze medal from last year inspired me and gave me confidence. The same thing happens with this. I hope not to see this as a responsibility but as an opportunity."

Vall exceeded all expectations but admitted that she had hoped to achieve something like this: "I never thought about this, but I did imagine it. They are two different verbs. I dreamed about it." And she is clear about who she dedicates this victory to: "To my coach, family, and friends. And to my husband, who had a tough year. He had a health problem and we had to adapt. I'm sure things will get better."