The Olympic athlete Sete Benavides honored upon his professional retirement

The President of the Government, Marga Prohens, has thanked him for his "commitment, effort, and humility" over his 20-year sports career, 15 of which were professional.

During the tribute event, President Prohens highlighted the "unique style and character" of the Mallorcan canoeist, who, due to his successes and especially the way he achieved them, "with enthusiasm and humility, never losing sight of his origins, proud to represent this land," has managed to "win the hearts and support of the people of the Balearic Islands."

Prohens emphasized the values of Sete Benavides, "values like perseverance, effort, persistence, and self-discipline" that "are essential both in sports and in everyday life," she stressed.

"Now, we can only wish you luck in this new stage, passing on the highest values of professional competition to the new generations," she added. "Congratulations on elevating Balearic canoeing to such heights," concluded the President.

For his part, the Mallorcan canoeist, Sete Benavides, stated that "it has been an honor and a privilege to travel around the world and represent the town of Pollença—where he is from—and the Balearic Islands, above all." "To be able to say that we are from here, that there are many good athletes in the Balearic Islands," he added.

"These years I have immensely enjoyed competing, as much as anyone, but there came a time when I needed to reset my mind and decided to step aside to take a different path," he explained, believing that, despite it being a "difficult" decision, "when one door closes, others open."

Benavides concluded his remarks with gratitude to his family "for being there in good times and not so good times"; to his coaches, the Balearic canoeing federation, and all those who have supported him over the years.