This Friday he died at the age of 47 Emma Roca, one of the great pioneers of mountain and adventure sports.
The athlete from Barcelona was a doctor in Biochemistry and a firefighter of the Group of Special Actions of the Firemen of the Generalitat de Catalunya (GRAE), and stood out throughout his sporting career in adventure sports, as well as in the most emblematic mountain races, in ski mountaineering and mountain biking.
He won several championships in Catalonia and Spain, Roca achieved two third places in the Ultra Trail of Mont Blanc (2012, 2013), a second place in the Marathon des Sables (2011) and a second place also to the Cdownwind (2011).
It is difficult to say goodbye to Emma Roca, a reference for so many. A woman who gave off energy in abundance
After knowing his death, there have been many tokens of condolence on social networks, highlighting his pioneering work in the world of outdoor and adventure. Like the Kilian Jornet, who recognized that “it is difficult to say goodbye to Emma Roca, a reference for so many. A woman who gave off energy in abundance. Pioneer in adventure raids, mountain skiing and trail riding. Tireless researcher, firefighter, organizer and strong voice for women’s sports. Our generation owes you a lot. “
And Marc Pinsach He added: “Ours was a generation that grew up with the motivation of the reference of a group of mountain athletes and Emma Roca was one of the most visible heads, especially since the raids that they practiced with David were an irresistible combination of sports. We also saw that training and racing could be combined with studying and racing. Today Emma has left us, but the seed she planted in us endures. Let the earth be mild!”.
A heartfelt tribute to which was also added, among others, the Federation of Hiking Entities of Catalonia: “Emma has been and will be a reference for all those people who one day have decided to start doing mountain sports, without any fear and fighting for what they liked the most. His name will always be linked to those beginnings of mountain sports in our country and the determination and persistence that has brought us here ”, and the Catalan Winter Sports Federation: “Mother, firefighter, biochemist and an absolutely exemplary athlete. Very hard news about the loss of Emma Roca ”. Rest in peace.
Mountain racing and ultra endurance
2013 – Champion of Catalonia in ultra-resistance races (UTBCN).
2012 – 3rd Mont Blan Ultratrail and 1st Scottish Ultramarathon
2011 – 2ª in the Marathon des Sables and 3ª Travessa Cavalls del Vent
2010 – 1st in her age group at the Nice Ironman (9th overall).
European mountain marathon champion (Val d’Aran) and Catalan duatlnó mountain champion.
1998 – 1st Nike Aneto X-Treme Marathon, Catalan mountain duathlon champion and Spanish long-distance duathlon champion.
Ski mountaineering
2008 – 3rd World Cup in pairs (Italy) and 5th at the Patrouille des Glaciers (Switzerland).
2007 – Champion of Spain in pairs (Núria).
2005 – Champion of Spain in pairs (Formigal) and time-climbing (Cerler), 3rd in the individual World Cup and 4th in the Pierra Menta (France)
2004 – Individual Spanish Champion (Formigal).
2003 – 2ª Championship of Spain (Baqueira Beret).
2002 – 4th European Cup in pairs and champion of Spain in pairs (Baqueira Beret).
Adventure raids
2010 – World raid champion
2007 – 1st of the Cup and the Spanish Raid Championship.
2003 – European raid runner-up.
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