Jaël Bestué’s performance in the women’s 200 m at the European Athletics Team Championships in Madrid was nothing short of spectacular.
On June 29, 2025, the 24‑year‑old Spanish sprinter didn’t just win—she obliterated the championship record and shattered a long‑standing national record that had endured for 35 years.
The Historic Run: 22.19 Seconds
In a race that electricified the Vallehermoso crowd, Bestué crossed the finish line in 22.19 seconds, breaking the previous Spanish record of 22.38 seconds, set by Sandra Myers back in August 1990 (sportskeeda.com).
But this was more than a national milestone—it was also a new meet record and marked the fastest 200 m in Europe for the season at the time (trackalerts.com).
The run delivered a seismic jolt through European sprinting circles, emphasizing Bestué’s ascent on the continent’s fastest stage.
A Profile in Perseverance
Born on September 24, 2000, in Sant Cugat del Vallès, near Barcelona, Bestué first took to the track at age 13 under coach Ricardo Diéguez, and quickly showed her promise (sportskeeda.com).
She’s pursued medicine at the University of Barcelona, balancing rigorous training with intense academics—a sign of her disciplined approach both on and off the track.
Early successes include a silver medal in the 200 m at the 2017 World U18 Championships, and national youth records in both the 100 m and 200 m indoor events that same year (sportskeeda.com).
She later claimed national championships and broke under-20 Spanish records, setting the stage for future international performances .
Despite Olympics appearances in both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, where she didn’t reach the finals, Bestué has continued clawing her way forward—and now her trajectory is undeniably upward (en.wikipedia.org).
Rise to the Top of Spain—and Europe
At the Madrid Championships, Spain narrowly finished second overall in the team standings behind the powerhouse Netherlands, largely thanks to performances like Bestué’s (madridetch2025.com).
Her 22.19 not only earned her maximum points but was one of ten new championship records set during the meet (madridetch2025.com).
The race included a wind reading of +0.8 m/s—legal and favorable—allowing full credit for the performance.
Bestué left behind talented runners such as France’s Helene Parisot (who clocked 22.42, a personal best), and Germany’s Sophia Junk (22.53, also a PB) (trackalerts.com).
That level of competition amplified the quality of her record-breaking run.
Technical Mastery and Race Dynamics
What made Bestué’s run even more impressive was how she executed it.
Known for her strong starts and powerful backstretch, she accelerated with authority through the bend, then powered into the home straight with composure—displaying both elite speed and tactical savvy.
At 1.60 m tall and 55 kg, her muscular frame, honed for explosive speed, propelled her to European‑leading form .
Her coach, Diéguez, and training at FC Barcelona have refined her sprint mechanics—ensuring she balances raw speed with technical efficiency.
With 100 m, 200 m, and relay success under her belt, Bestué is rapidly emerging as a complete sprinter.
Building a Legacy
Breaking a 35-year-old national record is no small feat—especially one that stood through the careers of generations of Spanish sprinters. And when that record comes with a championship and European seasonal lead?
It cements Bestué’s place among Europe’s elite sprinters (en.wikipedia.org).
Her trajectory already includes Olympic appearances, Diamond League finalist status (clocking 22.69 s in Stockholm), under-23 relays, and an under-18 world silver medal (sportskeeda.com).
Now, with this Madrid milestone, she sends a clear message: she’s here to stay.
What’s Next?
Bestué and Spain will leverage this momentum heading into upcoming major meets—the 2025 World Championships in Budapest, Paris Olympic qualifiers, and the European Championships later this year.
If she continues on this upward arc, she’ll be a tantalizing contender on the global stage.
Her consistency in the low-22s, along with relay contributions—most notably Spain’s 4×100 m squad also setting national records—signals a dynamic Spanish sprint renaissance (sportskeeda.com).
Reactions & Significance
In Spain, Bestué now stands as a symbol of hope and pride.
Her record-breaking run energized a national audience—especially poignant given the championships were on home soil.
She’s become not just a talented athlete, but also a beacon for Spanish women’s track.
The European athletics community took note too.
Outpacing sprinters from France and Germany in a meet riddled with championships records highlights her level.
The broader narrative—youthful, relentless progression—is becoming impossible to ignore.
Final Take
Jaël Bestué’s 22.19 s is more than just a number—it represents a turning point.
It’s the culmination of a lifelong dream, years of steady growth, and a strategic plan to rewrite national sprint history.
Her victory is emblematic of a new era in Spanish track: bold, ambitious, and globally competitive.
Over 800 words just scratch the surface.
Her journey—from a 13-year-old schoolgirl sprinter in Barcelona to a record-breaking European star—is built on dedication, resilience, and exceptional athleticism. And if Madrid is any indication, the best is yet to come.
In summary:
22.19 s – shattered both championship and Spanish 200 m records
35 years – duration of the previous national record, held by Sandra Myers since 1990 (sportskeeda.com)
European seasonal fastest time – immediate continental lead
Catalyst for Spanish sprinting resurgence, on home turf and against world‑class opposition
Keep your eyes on Jaël Bestué—her sprint trajectory is reshaping Spain’s athletic identity, and she’s sprinting boldy into a future that very well could include European and world laurels.
