Left field

Spain’s sporting state of grace

Iain Rogers

Jun 16, 2009 16:02 UTC

Pau Gasol’s triumph with the LA Lakers has prompted more articles in the Spanish media celebrating the country’s incredible run of sporting success.

Gasol was a vital cog in the Lakers machine this season and joins a long list of Spanish champions in individual and team sports.

Spain’s soccer team, after winning Euro 2008, has cemented its hold on the number one ranking by extending its unbeaten run to 33 matches, Barcelona strolled to the Champions League title last month with a humbling of holders Manchester United, Rafael Nadal is the top-ranked men’s tennis player and Spain Davis Cup champions, Jorge Lorenzo is joint leader in the MotoGP world championships and Carlos Sastre won the 2008 Tour de France, the third Spanish victory in a row.

“Another success for Spanish sport,” Nadal wrote of Gasol on his website on Tuesday. “It’s hard to take in everything that we are achieving,” he added. “We should be very proud.”

Sports picture of the day

Kevin Fylan

Feb 27, 2009 17:59 UTC

Herewith the latest selection from Sports Pictures Editor Greg Bos:

A well executed shot using a remote camera above the net shows Shaquille O’Neill jumping up to score. Lucy Nicholson is one of the best in the business at operating remote cameras to capture great sports action moments.

ORIGINAL CAPTION: Phoenix Suns’ Shaquille O’Neal (top) goes up to slam dunk over Los Angeles Lakers’ Pau Gasol of Spain during their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles February 26, 2009. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES)