RAFAEL NADAL KING OF TENNIS

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Spanish Olympic Comitte's president Alejandro Blanco gives a honorific medal to Rafael Nadal and Marc Lopez on the occasion of the XI Annual Gala of the Spanish Olympic Committee held in Madrid, Spain on 14 December 2016.  

Photos: COE; EPA; EFE; AS

Translated by Genny SS:

"Rafa starts saying giving speeches isn't his forte, even less so talking on behalf of his Olympian colleagues, but he's been chosen to do it.
He wants to begin by thanking all companies that help athletes to fulfill their dreams. Rafa emphasizes the need to support/fund our sport at the early stages.Sports in general need their continued support so that athletes can keep on fighting to make their dreams be their lives.
Then Rafa congratulates all the present Olympians, as well as those athletes who fight & compete every day to be able to participate at OG.
Finally, Rafa thanks the media, colleagues & everybody attending the event. After his speech Rafa's told not to leave as there is a surprise for him. Such surprise is that, finally, Rafa will receive the highest Olympic Honor ("Orden Olímpica") that was unanimously approved by the Executive Board of the Spanish Olympic Committee on Nov 30, 2010(!) but Rafa's always so busy that they never found a date to give it to him."