Spain’s José Moreno and Juan Daniel Molina have been recognised among the Heroes of the Games following their outstanding performance at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, where the pair captured gold in the men’s acrobatic gymnastics pairs competition.
The Spanish duo delivered a memorable performance in Chengdu last summer, defeating the Azerbaijani pair Daniel Abbasov and Murad Rafiyev, who took silver, while Portugal’s Miguel Lopes and Goncalo Parreira completed the podium with bronze.
For Molina, the gold medal was the realisation of a long-held dream.
“This last medal won at The World Games was a mixture of satisfaction and unreality, since we both dreamed of it so much that when we got it we couldn't believe it,” he said. “Compared to the medals obtained previously, this was undoubtedly the most special and the one I felt the most emotional since it was what we always dreamed of.”
Moreno reflected on the emotional journey that led them to Chengdu, noting how earlier milestones helped build their confidence.
“The World Championship was an incredible experience, and we worked for a very long time to achieve it; winning a medal was a huge personal satisfaction and a great goal accomplished,” he said.
“During the European Championship, our sights were already set on The World Games. It gave us a lot of confidence in our work to keep aiming for the very top.”
A competitive field
The men’s pairs competition in Chengdu featured some of the world’s strongest acrobatic gymnastics partnerships, including several reigning and former world champions.
Molina explained that the Spanish team had prepared carefully for the challenge.
“We knew perfectly well what we were facing since the beginning of the season,” he said. “The last competitions were very close, and we knew what we had to do to get the gold.”
Moreno added that strategy played a key role during the intense one-day competition format.
“We knew the competition would be tough,” he said. “When it came time to compete, we decided to secure a safe qualification for the final so we could give it our all in the combined routine. The competition took place in a single day and would be very exhausting, so we needed to save our strength for the end. I think the plan worked out really well.”
Memories of Chengdu
Beyond the competition itself, both athletes say the experience of being part of The World Games environment left a lasting impression.
“What I remember most about Chengdu is the first reactions when arriving at the city, the village, the pavilion and above all the emotion of the day of the competition,” Molina said.
“I lived the competition with great enthusiasm every time I went out to compete and greeted the audience before performing.”
Moreno highlighted the unique multi-sport atmosphere of the event.
“Being in a bubble with all the different sports coming together and living side by side really gives you the motivation to compete and give your best,” he said. “On top of that, the facilities and activities for the athletes were incredible.”
A partnership built on trust
Their triumph in Chengdu was the culmination of a partnership that has produced several historic results for Spain in recent seasons.
According to Molina, mutual understanding and trust have been key factors behind their success.
“Apart from our technique and artistic work, we have improved the way we deal with problems and discussions,” he said.
“We find solutions immediately and finish training in the best possible way. The mutual trust when we go onto the floor is something I would highlight.”
Moreno echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the role of passion and shared ambition.
“Passion and trust in our work have been our guide over these past few years,” he said. “The daily effort we put in has helped us build a strong bond and a mutual commitment, which I believe has been the key to reaching where we are today.”
Looking ahead
While Molina continues to pursue new elements and performances in the gym, Moreno says Chengdu marked a fitting conclusion to his elite career.
“I believe it is our time to step away from elite competition,” he said. “I am grateful to be able to retire having accomplished all my goals, so now I want to stay connected to gymnastics and develop into the best coach I can be.”