Former Olympic water polo champion Dani Ballart recently declared Catalonia a global leader in the sport, revealing the region hosts 90 water polo matches every weekend. This figure matches the total number of matches played across Brazil in an entire year, according to Ballart's interview on the 'Mas Barcelona' videopodcast.

Ballart, who won Olympic gold with Spain in Atlanta and silver in Barcelona, now coaches the women's section of Club Natació Mataró. He expressed a strong preference for his current role, stating, "I have better sensations than when I was a player."

His path to coaching was unexpected. "It was not part of my plans to be a coach," Ballart told 'Mas Barcelona'. However, he discovered his true calling in the role, adding, "I want to die being a coach because here I have found my authentic vocation."

Catalonia's Global Water Polo Standing

Ballart emphasised the unique position of water polo in Spain, particularly in Catalonia. "What happens in Catalonia, especially Barcelona and its surroundings, does not happen anywhere else in the world," he asserted. This strong local scene provides a constant stream of talent and competition.

The high volume of 90 matches every weekend includes all categories, from youth to senior level. This extensive competition schedule helps develop players and maintain a high standard of play across the region. It also ensures a strong base for national and international teams.

Olympic Memories and Career Shift

Ballart's playing career included significant achievements, such as the Olympic gold medal in 1996 and the silver medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. He played for various clubs before his retirement from professional play.

He also shared an "unexpectedly ungrateful" memory of the Barcelona Olympics. The Spanish team felt "dead and destroyed" from overtraining during their preparation. "We wanted them to end as soon as possible," he recalled, highlighting the intense physical demands.

His retirement from playing was "very traumatic," Ballart explained. He initially moved away from water polo, describing the sport as his "first great love, an extraordinary idyll, but when it ends, it hurts." A stroke of luck, however, brought him back to the pools through a management role, which led him to coaching.

Ballart's long-term commitment to coaching highlights the dedication within Catalonia's water polo community. His remarks underscore the region's significant contribution to the sport globally, ensuring its continued strength for years to come.

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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.