Judith Otazua – Spanish Middle-Distance Runner

Important Note: Judith Otazua is a developing middle-distance athlete rather than an established international “star,” representing the emerging talent in Spanish athletics.

Personal Information

Full Name: Judith Otazua Gerrikaetxebarria
Nationality: Spanish (Basque)
Date of Birth: December 26, 1999
Age: 24 years old
Club: At. San Sebastián (Atletismo San Sebastián)
Region: Basque Country, Spain
World Athletics Athlete Code: 14592299

Athletic Profile

Judith Otazua is a Spanish middle-distance runner who specializes primarily in the 1500 metres, with additional competitive experience in the 800m, 3000m, and road racing events. As a member of Atletismo San Sebastián and representing the Basque Athletic Federation, she has established herself as a competent middle-distance runner within Spanish domestic competition, though she has not yet achieved major international breakthrough performances.

Primary Events

• 1500 Metres (main specialty)
• 1500 Metres Short Track (indoor)
• 800 Metres
• 3000 Metres
• 3000 Metres Short Track (indoor)
• Mile Road Racing
• 1000 Metres

Athletic Achievements

National Level Success

2025 Spanish Mile Road Championships (Puerto de Pollença):

• Bronze Medal – 4:44.54 (personal best)
• Competed alongside Spain’s top middle-distance runners Marta Pérez and Marta Mitjans

This recent achievement marked a significant milestone in Otazua’s career, as she secured her first national championship medal while setting a personal best time. The performance demonstrated her continued development and competitive ability at the national level.

Regional Championships

Basque Country (Euskadi) Championships:

• Champion – 800 Metres (specific year from search results appears to be from an earlier period in her career)

This regional championship victory showcased her ability to compete successfully within her home region, particularly notable as the results indicated she overcame previous injury challenges to achieve this success.

Personal Best Performances

Outdoor Personal Bests

• 1500 Metres: 4:13.26 (July 9, 2024) – Score: 1101
• 3000 Metres: 9:22.13 (February 17, 2024) – Score: 1053
• Mile Road: 4:44.54 (2025) – Personal best achieved at Spanish Championships

Indoor Personal Bests

• 1500 Metres Short Track: 4:20.65 (January 27, 2024) – Score: 1065

Current Rankings

• Highest World Ranking: #249 in Women’s 1500m
• World Athletics Score: 1101 (based on 1500m personal best)

Career Development and Progression

Early Career Challenges

Otazua’s athletic development has been marked by perseverance through injury challenges. Search results indicate she overcame a significant knee injury (anterior cruciate ligament rupture) that sidelined her for approximately seven months (from September to May of an unspecified year). This setback occurred when she was still developing as a young athlete (mentioned as being 15 years old during her recovery), demonstrating remarkable resilience in returning to competitive athletics.

Current Development Phase

At 24 years old, Otazua appears to be in a developmental phase of her career, working to establish herself more prominently in Spanish middle-distance running. Her recent personal best performances in 2024 and 2025 suggest continued improvement and dedication to the sport.

Training Environment

As a member of Atletismo San Sebastián, Otazua trains within the Basque athletic system, which has produced several notable Spanish runners. The Basque Athletic Federation has celebrated her achievements, indicating strong regional support for her development.

Technical Profile

Event Specialization

Otazua’s range across middle-distance events from 800m to 3000m indicates versatility, though her strongest performances appear to be in the 1500m. Her ability to compete in both track and road events demonstrates good tactical awareness and racing experience.

Performance Analysis

Her personal best of 4:13.26 in the 1500m places her as a competitive domestic-level athlete, though still some distance from international qualifying standards. Her progression through 2024 and into 2025 suggests continued development potential.

Regional and Cultural Context

Basque Athletic Heritage

As a Basque athlete, Otazua represents a region with a strong tradition in Spanish athletics. The Basque Athletic Federation’s support and celebration of her achievements reflects the regional pride in developing local talent.

Spanish Middle-Distance Scene

Within the Spanish athletics context, Otazua competes alongside established athletes like Marta Pérez and Marta Mitjans, providing valuable competitive experience against higher-level domestic competition.

Personal Background

Educational Information

Specific details about Otazua’s educational background, university attendance, or academic pursuits are not available in public sources.

Career Aspirations

Given her age (24) and current performance level, Otazua appears focused on continued athletic development, though information about specific career goals or professional aspirations outside athletics is not publicly available.

Personal Interests

Details about personal interests, hobbies, or activities outside of athletics are not readily available in public sources.

Recent Competitive Activity

2024 Season Highlights

• Set personal best in 1500m (4:13.26) in July
• Competed regularly in both indoor and outdoor seasons
• Continued development across multiple middle-distance events

2025 Season

• Achieved bronze medal at Spanish Mile Road Championships with personal best time
• Demonstrated continued improvement and competitive success

Future Outlook

Development Potential

At 24, Otazua is at an age where middle-distance runners often continue to improve, particularly given her history of overcoming injury setbacks. Her recent personal bests suggest ongoing development potential.

Competitive Goals

While specific goals are not publicly stated, her continued competition at national level events suggests ambitions to establish herself more prominently in Spanish middle-distance running.

Athletic Trajectory

Her progression from regional success to national medal contention indicates a positive trajectory, though significant improvement would be needed to reach international competitive levels.

Support System

Club Support

Her affiliation with Atletismo San Sebastián provides institutional support for her training and competition.

Regional Recognition

The Basque Athletic Federation’s celebration of her achievements indicates strong regional support and recognition of her contributions to Basque athletics.

Challenges and Achievements

Overcoming Adversity

Her recovery from a serious knee injury (ACL rupture) demonstrates resilience and commitment to the sport, particularly impressive given the lengthy recovery period required.

Competitive Mindset

Her ability to compete effectively against established national-level athletes shows strong competitive character and racing ability.

Legacy and Impact

Regional Representation

As a Basque athlete achieving success at national level, Otazua serves as a positive example for regional athletics development.

Developmental Model

Her progression through injury recovery to national medal contention provides an inspiring example of perseverance in athletics.

Current Status: Judith Otazua represents the dedicated, developing tier of Spanish middle-distance running. While not yet at international breakthrough level, her recent national championship bronze medal and continued personal best performances demonstrate her commitment to the sport and ongoing development. Her story reflects the experiences of many national-level athletes working to establish themselves in competitive middle-distance running.

Note on Classification: Based on available performance data and competitive results, Otazua would be more accurately described as a “developing national-level athlete” or “promising middle-distance runner” rather than a “track and field star,” as her achievements are primarily at regional and national domestic levels rather than international prominence.

Go Judith!