Bianca Acosta: Spanish-Dominican Sprinting Star

Bianca Acosta Mercado (born March 8, 1997) is a Spanish-Dominican track and field athlete who has become one of the most promising sprinters in both Spanish and Dominican Republic athletics. The 28-year-old speed specialist has achieved remarkable success across multiple sprint events, including setting national records and earning numerous championship medals throughout her career.

Early Life and Athletic Beginnings

Born in Spain to Spanish-Dominican parents, Bianca discovered her athletic talents in an unconventional way. She originally practiced karate in her hometown near Zaragoza and didn’t begin competitive athletics until the relatively late age of 16. Her running ability first emerged during warm-up runs in karate training, where she realized she had a natural gift for speed. Initially balancing both karate and athletics, Bianca eventually focused solely on track and field after turning 18.

At 18, she made the pivotal decision to move to Zaragoza to train with a more professional coach, marking the beginning of her serious athletic career. Despite starting later than most elite athletes, her rapid progression was remarkable – she quickly advanced to national championship finals and medal-winning performances.

Athletic Career and Accomplishments

Events and Specializations

Bianca competes across multiple sprint events, with her primary specializations being:

• 200m and 400m (her strongest events)
• 400m hurdles
• 100m and 60m
• 4x100m and 4x400m relay

Personal Bests and Records

Bianca’s impressive personal bests demonstrate her versatility and consistent improvement:

• 400m Short Track: 54.32 seconds (Dominican Republic National Record, February 2025)
• 200m Short Track: 24.08 seconds
• 200m Outdoor: 23.76 seconds (Aragón regional record, breaking a 30-year-old record)
• 4x400m Relay Short Track: 3:38.96 seconds
• 4x100m Relay: 44.04 seconds

Her most significant recent achievement came in February 2025 when she set a new Dominican Republic national record in the 400m short track with a time of 54.32 seconds, breaking the previous record of 55.25 seconds that had stood since 2016.

Competition History and International Representation

Bianca has had a unique international career, representing both Spain and the Dominican Republic at different periods. She initially competed for Spain, earning three national championship titles and regularly representing the Spanish national team in international competitions. In June 2024, she transitioned to representing the Dominican Republic internationally, taking advantage of her dual nationality.

Key Achievements:

• Three-time Spanish national champion
• Bronze medalist at Spanish National Championships (Campeonato Absoluto de España)
• Multiple Spanish national medals across different events
• Dominican Republic national record holder in 400m indoor
• Aragón regional record holder in 200m
• Competed in World Military Games representing Dominican Republic Navy

Current Status and Rankings

As of 2024-2025, Bianca is ranked #507 in women’s 400m worldwide and continues to compete at the highest level. She represents Atlético San Sebastián, a prestigious Spanish multi-sport club founded in 1958, known for its strong athletics program with over 200 athletes.

Education and Career Aspirations

Professional Qualifications

Beyond her athletic achievements, Bianca has built a strong educational foundation in sports-related fields:

• Certified Personal Trainer
• Qualified Sports Nutritionist
• High-Performance Athletic Specialist

Career Balance

Like many athletes at her level, Bianca cannot rely solely on athletics for income. She currently works as a nutritionist while maintaining her elite training schedule. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated remarkable resilience, working 30-40 hours per week in various jobs, including restaurants and bars, while training at the highest level.

Training and Coaching

Bianca currently trains under Héctor Barrasa in La Rioja, Spain. Barrasa is recognized as one of the top sprints coaches in the region, specializing in speed and hurdles. Under his guidance, Bianca has continued to improve her performances and recently achieved her career-best times.

Her training journey has taken her across Spain, including stints in Aragón, Castellón, and Soria, before settling in La Rioja about two years ago. She has praised La Rioja’s training facilities and environment, which have contributed to her recent success.

Personal Life and Interests

Personal Background

Bianca’s athletic journey reflects her determined and adaptable nature. She has lived in various Spanish regions throughout her career, always seeking the best training opportunities and support systems. Her dual Spanish-Dominican heritage has been a significant part of her identity, ultimately leading to her decision to represent the Dominican Republic internationally.

Professional Services

Outside of competition, Bianca offers personal training and nutritional coaching services, combining her athletic expertise with her professional qualifications. She markets herself as a “high-performance speed athlete qualified in personal training and sports nutrition.”

Social Media Presence

Bianca maintains an active social media presence, particularly on Instagram (@_biancaacosta) where she has over 4,000 followers. She regularly shares training updates, competition highlights, and personal insights into her athletic journey.

Future Goals and Olympic Aspirations

Bianca’s primary goal is to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics representing the Dominican Republic. She was disappointed to miss the Paris 2024 Olympics despite meeting qualifying standards, but has used this setback as motivation for the next Olympic cycle.

Her long-term aspirations include:

• Qualifying for and competing in the 2028 Olympics
• Continuing to break personal and national records
• Advocating for better support systems for athletes at her level
• Potentially expanding her role in sports nutrition and training

Legacy and Impact

Bianca Acosta represents the modern elite athlete – one who must balance high-level competition with professional work while pursuing Olympic dreams. Her journey from a late-starting teenager in karate to a national record holder demonstrates the power of dedication and proper guidance. As she continues to improve and compete at 28, she serves as an inspiration to athletes who may start their careers later or face financial challenges in pursuing their athletic dreams.

Her story highlights both the challenges and rewards of elite athletics, showing how determination, professional development, and the right support system can lead to remarkable achievements at the highest levels of international competition.

Go Bianca!