Olympic Games
London 2012: A competition impossible to forget.
My Olympic debut was the first opportunity to turn that inner fire into a gold medal. Together with my teammates Sofía and Ángela, and guided by our coach Toni Otero, we began a journey full of lessons and growth. We also had the invaluable support of Manu Weiller, as well as our teammates Eva González and Lara Cacabelos, who played a fundamental role throughout the process.
That Olympic campaign taught me how to transform my role from being the sailor in charge of a boat into becoming the leader of a team, learning to trust, to bring out the best in each person, and to move forward together towards a shared goal.
Rio de Janeiro 2016: The two sides of the coin called sport.
“If it’s about fighting until the end, never giving up, reinventing yourself as many times as needed, and working harder than anyone else, there’s no doubt: bet on Támara.” That’s how journalist Eleonora Giovio defined the three years of preparation for the Rio Olympic Games.
The challenge of changing both sailing class and partner turned into a unique opportunity when Berta Betanzos and Patricia Díaz-Tendero joined the project. We worked side by side with Pepe Lis and young sailors Víctor and Turra. That great teamwork allowed us, in just three years, to win the World Championship and fight for Olympic gold until the very last moment.
The frustration and pain of not reaching the goal taught me the importance of emotions and how to manage them in order to move forward stronger.
Tokyo 2020: The importance of plan B, adapting.
A new reinvention alongside Paula Barceló in an Olympic campaign where our progress was exponential, taking us to the world podium in just two years. The preparation was led by Víctor Payá, with the valuable support of the Alonso brothers. The Olympics were tough; the isolation and lack of freedom of movement, due to the global context, demanded extra effort. After an intense battle for the medals throughout the week, we fell just short of the podium. It was a hard blow to accept, but I managed to overcome it thanks to Patricia’s unconditional support.
True strength lies in making the most of every situation, no matter how difficult, to keep growing as an athlete and as a person.
Paris 2024: Farewell to the lady of sailing.
I saw the Paris 2024 Olympics as an opportunity for consolidation, giving me the chance to compete once again with the same partner and boat, with high expectations. With José Costa and Federico Alonso as coaches, we prepared with determination. However, it was a competition where we did not “shine” as expected at such a high-level event, and our chances of fighting for medals faded.
Even so, the respect and admiration of my rivals, along with the trust and affection of my team, showed me that no sporting result can outweigh the value of having built a successful career based on hard work, respect, trust, and honesty.
World and European Championships
During my 20 years dedicated to Olympic sailing, I had the chance to reach the top of the world podium three times, in three different classes, with three different teams. Each medal earned in international competitions was the result of hard teamwork, resilience to overcome difficulties, and the trust placed in every team member.
International and high-level regattas
The international circuit allowed me to sail around the world, explore incredible places, and discover fascinating cultures. Beyond achieving sporting results and gaining experience to prepare for our main objectives, it gave me the chance to build a family of friends across the globe.
Around the World Sailing Race – Volvo Ocean Race 2017/2018
The opportunity to take part in the round-the-world sailing race was one of the most demanding challenges, both physically and mentally, showing me how far my limits could go—far beyond what I had imagined. Doing it surrounded by an exceptional team of people and sailors was an indescribable privilege, making it an unforgettable competitive experience.
Jules Verne Trophy
More than a race, the Jules Verne Trophy is a speed record that puts both body and mind to the test. A nonstop, unassisted round-the-world challenge that requires constant adaptation and decision-making under pressure, taking you to explore your physical and mental limits. Living this challenge from the inside, alongside a great female team, turned it into an experience of extreme sporting demand and learning, where not giving up and teamwork were key to moving forward and setting new benchmarks.
The opinion of the technical team
Patricia Díaz-Tendero | Doctor in Psychology, specialized in High-Performance Teams and Leadership.
Víctor Payá | 49er FX Class Coach – Australian Olympic Team
Magin Mendez | Strength & Conditioning Coach
"Támara is an example in many aspects, but I would especially highlight her resilience and her ability to manage teams by building personal relationships. She is able to learn from every experience and moment, and has an exceptional strategic vision for connecting people and promoting collaboration among them. She is the ideal ally to empower teams and elevate them to the next level."
Magin Mendez | Strength & Conditioning Coach
Víctor Payá | 49er FX Class Coach – Australian Olympic Team
Magin Mendez | Strength & Conditioning Coach
"I've had the privilege of working with Támara for nearly 20 years, and I've seen firsthand her unwavering values, relentless effort, and ability to rise above any challenge. The things she has achieved are a testament to her incredible strength of character and extraordinary determination."
Víctor Payá | 49er FX Class Coach – Australian Olympic Team
Víctor Payá | 49er FX Class Coach – Australian Olympic Team
Víctor Payá | 49er FX Class Coach – Australian Olympic Team
“Working with Tamara, you quickly realize that success does not come by chance; it is built through clear daily objectives, ambitious goals, and strong perseverance.
Another quality worth highlighting is her ability to place trust in the people she calls her team, a trust based not only on professional competence, but also on values and integrity. These qualities are essential to bringing out the best in each individual and making everyone feel part of something truly meaningful.”