Who I am
Everythingabout me.
If falling is allowed, getting back up is mandatory.
The motto that has guided his career from the start
Origin
From Espanyolto the ice.
Ander Mirambell Viñas was born in Barcelona on 17 February 1983 and holds a degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. He made his Winter Olympic debut on his 27th birthday, becoming the first athlete in history to represent Spain in skeleton.
He has lived for sport since the day he was born
First as a footballer, reaching the RCD Espanyol youth side. Later as a track athlete, which took him to two European Club Cups in Rennes and Moscow.
He finally turned his career towards skeleton, although in his free time he still plays football, beach volleyball, golf or basketball.
Before the sled
Footballer
RCD Espanyol youth team.
Track athlete
Two European Club Cups, in Rennes and Moscow.
Skeleton athlete
A sport with no track in Spain and nobody to follow.
The road
Importing an Olympicsport into a countrywithout tracks.
What at first looked like a fantasy took shape after a long drive in his own car from Calella to northern Europe. Once there came four long seasons of hard training and sacrifice, after which he established himself among the world skeleton elite.
A maturity that arrives late
In skeleton, an athlete does not reach maturity until around thirty-four. Ander arrived on the circuit as one of the youngest and stayed fourteen seasons, becoming one of the longest-serving athletes of his generation.
Ahead of him lay countless dreams and milestones, all held together by the motto that has guided his career from the beginning.
In his own words
The road to Pyeongchang
«The line between madness and sanity is so thin that you decide which side you want to be on».
Person
Offthe track.
Away from ice tracks and training grounds, Ander loves Mediterranean food, but the dish that truly wins him over is the flan his mother used to make. In his spare time his great hobby is going to any sporting event, especially matches of his club, RCD Espanyol, which he follows wherever it plays.
Fact file
17 February 1983
Born in Barcelona. Lives in Manresa.
Degree
Physical Activity and Sport Sciences.
RCD Espanyol
His club, on and off the pitch.
27 years old
His exact age on the day of his Olympic debut.
Album
Testimonials
What they say about him
01 / 05
Ander is like fire on ice. He turns a dream into a passion. That passion becomes proof of grit, work and sacrifice. And that work and sacrifice becomes reality. Generous, intelligent and warm.
Ander Mirambell was a breath of fresh air in Spanish winter sport, and in sport generally, not only for bringing a discipline that had never been practised in our country, but because he is a kind of athlete that is genuinely scarce in Spain. He is the complete athlete, able to pass on his passion and to understand that training alone is not enough. Passion, absolute commitment, knowledge, openness and resilience make him a star without trying to be one.
Ander Mirambell is an incredibly talented athlete and a pioneer in Spanish Skeleton racing. Ander is a great man and I am honored to call him my friend.
Ander is drive made person. Through constant sacrifice he renews his ambitions without looking back, which takes him to a level of limitless perseverance.
Ander is a great friend who will reach every goal he sets himself. He has shown all of us that with enough effort and sacrifice, dreams come true.
Recognition
Medal of Honourof Barcelona.
Each year the city recognises twenty-five citizens or organisations for promoting civic values and contributing to sport, culture and public participation. Ander received it for his sporting career and competitive spirit, from mayor Ada Colau, accompanied by his family and by representatives of the Spanish Ice Sports Federation.
Barcelona and Manresa
In a later interview, Mirambell spoke of his pride at the recognition and his connection with Barcelona, where he was born, and Manresa, where he lives.
He highlighted how much it means to represent Espanyol de Barcelona and to carry the city with him on his travels around the world.
Helmet in the Olympic Museum
After the Beijing 2022 Games, his helmet joined the International Olympic Committee museum in Lausanne.
Flag bearer in Beijing 2022
Chosen to carry the Spanish flag at the opening ceremony.
First Spanish champion
The first in the history of Spanish skeleton.