Word: rafael
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...responsibility." Spain played poorly in the final game, losing by a point to Russia. But that was a year ago. Today, as you tally up Gasol's appearance with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals in June, the Spanish soccer team's victory in the European Cup, Rafael Nadal's Wimbledon defeat of Roger Federer, and Carlos Sastre's triumph at the Tour de France, it's pretty obvious Spanish athletes have conquered the sporting world...
...what makes a champion - and in Spain's case, so many? For some, the country's victory streak is largely coincidence. "In sports, there's always an element of luck," says Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal's coach and uncle. "Rafael could have beaten Federer last year and moved past him, just as he could have lost to Federer this year at Wimbledon. Circumstances and details shape you and in a given competition shape the outcome...
...Spain ride the momentum through Beijing? Secretary of state for sports Jaime Lissavetzky told a press conference he considers the recent success "a good omen for the Olympics." Certainly Spain will be among the favorites in basketball and tennis. "Rafael will pay a price for so many recent tournaments," says Toni Nadal. "But the Olympics brings the best players, and their high level of play brings out the best...
...Toni Nadal, "he was suddenly a star from a very small town, Manacor. We had no champions. But since then, Manacor has produced several champions. In sports, when those around you win more, you start to believe in yourself, that you can win too. That's what happened with Rafael - he's had success because he has the mental attitude of a winner...
...This is the greatest match I've ever seen.' JOHN MCENROE, three-time Wimbledon champion, after Rafael Nadal (right) defeated Roger Federer in the longest men's singles final in the tournament's history...