High-performance sport, in addition to discipline, demands first-class facilities that permit professional athletes to obtain their full potential. Among the wide range of existing sports facilities, the Canary Islands have two athletics facilities certified by World Athletics, the international certification that validates the quality of sports facilities, which meet the demands of major international competitions.
Among the wide range of existing sports facilities, the Canary Islands have two athletics facilities certified by World Athletics, the international certification that validates the quality of sports facilities, which meet the demands of major international competitions.
In the south of the Island of Tenerife, in the municipality of Arona, lies the Antonio Domínguez Alfonso Olympic Stadium, a sports gem that is the touchstone for professional and Olympic athletes, as well as hosted numerous international sports events. This is especially true in winter, when the weather conditions in the rest of Spain and Europe compromises sports performance.
Opened in 1969 with capacity for 7,500 spectators, the stadium has become an emblematic stage for the international athletic community, recognized as one of the best facilities for training athletics in the whole country. Modern and versatile, it boasts an impeccable turf surface and a state-of-the-art tartan track, where professional athletes find the perfect environment to improve their performance. In addition, the stadium has modern strength and fitness facilities, as well as recovery and rehabilitation areas that meet the highest standards.
But what are its main characteristics?
A first-class athletics track. The stadium has a 400m athletics track approved by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, equipped with the M55 Trim surface certified by World Athletics, which provides excellent cushioning and energy return, fundamental for the training of speed and endurance athletes.
Jumping and throwing areas Here, athletes will find specialized areas for jumping (length, triple and height) and throwing (javelin, discus and hammer).
Gym and physiotherapy room Those who train at the Antonio Domínguez Alfonso Olympic Stadium can also enjoy its fully equipped gym and a physiotherapy room to heed to their physical preparation and recovery.
The best train here
Many world-renowned athletes have chosen this stadium for their physical preparation or training for high-level competitions. Like the sprinter Marcell Jacobs, who trained in Tenerife before his participation in the Tokyo Olympic Games, where he won the gold in the 100 meters, succeeding Usain Bolt and becoming the fastest man in the world.
During his training on the island, Jacobs said that "it’s wonderful to train at full capacity accompanied by a warm climate, and when it’s winter in Italy I can’t wait to come to train in Tenerife. The track at the Antonio Domínguez Alfonso Stadium is magnificent, as well as all the facility’s."
Other athletes who have found an ideal place to train in these facilities are the Ethiopian Sifan Hassan, with two gold and a bronze medal in Tokyo or BjörnKoreman, a Dutch prodigy athlete who describes Tenerife as "a paradise for training". Also the Ethiopian distance runner and gold medalist in Athens 2004, LemaworkKetema, or the Olympic French long jumper in London 2012, Eloise Lesueur.
Moreover, the Spanish high jumper Ruth Beitia, a 15-time medalist in high jump and gold medalist in Rio 2016, who has not hesitated to highlight both the excellent conditions of the stadium and the quality of the support staff.
Canary Islands, at the highest level
In addition to this stadium, there are other Canarian sports facilities that also attract high-level professional athletes, such as Gran Canaria Sports City or the Tenerife Island Athletics Center, which offers a comprehensive approach to the training of elite athletes in various sports disciplines on its approved eight-lane track and its indoor area of 1,600 m2.
The combination of excellent facilities, an ideal climate and inspiring environment has attracted renowned athletes, who find the Canary Islands an exceptional place to achieve their Olympic and professional goals.