There were so many royal competitors at the Olympics that it’s taking two posts – two LONG posts – to cover them all. Yesterday, we focused on Britain, Monaco and Norway. Today we’ll take a look at Spain, Greece Denmark, and Jordan.
Spain
The Spanish royals have one of the strongest Olympic traditions. Their preferred sport is sailing. The most successful sailor in his family, Felipe, came 6th in the sailing class at the 1992 Olympics. Felipe also had the honor of carrying the flag for his country.
King Felipe’s sister, Cristina, competed in the Seoul Olympics in 1988 as a member of Spain’s sailing team. Her future husband, Inaki Urdangarin, was part of the Spanish handball team at the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympics. The 2000 Olympics was the only one he competed in as a royal, and the team won a bronze medal.
The sibling’s sailing talents are bred in the bone. Their father, Juan Carlos, competed in the Dragon class sailing event at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, finishing 15th. Were you aware that their mother was a reserve for the 1960 Greek Olympic sailing team? Queen Sofia as an almost Olympian was news to me.
Greece
Sofia’s brother and the uncle of the talented sailing siblings, Constantine, won a gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics in the Dragon class sailing event.
Denmark
Princess Nathalie, Benedikte’s daughter, took part in the 2008 Beijing Olympics as part of the Danish dressage team and was rewarded with a bronze medal.
Jordan
Princess Haya, she of the huge hats, competed on the Equestrian team at the Sydney Summer Olympics. She was also the flag bearer for Jordan.
