Vicario named 10K event ambassador

In the quest to keep raising the profile of the event, organisers TCS World 10K Bengaluru on Wednesday announced former women’s World No 1 tennis player Arantxa Sanchez Vicario as the International Event Ambassador.

The Spanish legend who accumulated 14 Grand Slam titles -- four singles, six doubles, and four mixed doubles -- is considered to be one of the most decorated Olympians in Spanish history winning two silver and two bronze medals each.

At just 17, she reached the 1989 French Open final where she faced then World No 1 and two-time defending champion Steffi Graf. But she stunned one and all and announced her arrival on the pro circuit by beating the German to win her first ever Grand Slam, becoming the youngest player ever to triumph at Roland Garros.

She was the first Spanish player to simultaneously be ranked as the World No 1 in both singles and doubles. For her sheer tenacity and refusal to concede a point, Arantxa was nicknamed as the ‘Barcelona Bumblebee’. A stellar 17-year career saw her becoming the first Spanish woman player to be inducted in the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

“Running has played an important part in my career and I think it is the easiest way to keep your mind and body sound. Sport has the ability to connect communities beyond the competitive spirit, and instil a sense of pride amongst all and celebrate accomplishments," said Vicario.

"Running has managed to do just that. It is exciting that my association with India begins with the TCS World 10K in Bengaluru. I am glad to be there on the start line with all the runners and enjoy the infectious energy on race day,” said the former World No 1.

After retiring from competitive tennis in 2002, Arantxa has been involved in multiple causes including as a Celebrity Chairperson of Children’s Cancer Research in Spain and Foundation Sanchez-Vicario. In 2015, she tried her hand at coaching helping Caroline Wozniacki, a former World No 1 herself.

The 10K run takes place on May 19.