Kilian Jornet, originally from Cerdanya and currently residing in Norway, will receive the award during the 29th Catalan Sports Festival, organized by the Generalitat, the Union of Catalan Sports Federations (UFEC), and the newspaper Sport. The ceremony will take place on January 26 at the Auditori Caixafòrum in Barcelona and will be broadcast live on Esport 3.
The jury primarily highlighted his ambitious project States of Elevation, completed last year, where he ascended the 72 mountains over 4,267 meters (13,000 feet) in the United States of America in just 31 days. This challenge involved moving exclusively on foot and by bicycle, covering over 5,100 kilometers and accumulating 123,000 meters of positive elevation gain.
A physical and mental feat without precedent.
In addition to the US project, Jornet's achievements last year include third place in the prestigious ultramarathon Western States 100. His record also features challenges such as Summits of my life, with ascent and descent records on peaks like Everest, and the recent Alpine Connections in 2024, where he broke the record for consecutive ascent of the 82 four-thousanders of the Alps in only 19 days.
Regarding the remaining awards, swimmer Iris Tió was chosen as the Best Female Catalan Athlete, highlighting her gold in solo free at the Singapore World Championship in synchronized swimming. FC Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia received the award for the male athlete with the most projection, and 17-year-old climber Geila Macià, the female equivalent. Finally, the Club Patí Vila-sana, from the Pla d'Urgell region, was recognized as the most successful team for winning the 2025 World Championship, the Copa de la Reina, and the Supercopa in roller hockey.
