Katy Hernández, 3x3 basketball world runner-up with intellectual disabilities: "I train to be better."

Katy Hernández still smiles when she remembers the moment she received the call to join the Spanish 3x3 basketball team for people with intellectual disabilities . She confesses that she felt "very happy and proud" of herself. Not only for the call-up, but for being able to demonstrate everything she's learned over the years and give it her all alongside her teammates.

Last summer, in Astana, Kazakhstan , Katy experienced one of the most intense moments of her sporting career: the World Cup, where Spain won the silver medal , only losing to the mighty Australia. It was, she recalls, a “tough but beautiful” experience, with very demanding opponents and high-level matches. “ We all fought together, defending hard and believing until the end ,” she explains proudly. For her, who was making her debut in this sport, the tournament was a challenge: “It was the first time I played 3x3, and at first I was a little confused, but I felt good.”

Among her memories from that tournament, she singles out Australia and China as the strongest teams . The Chinese players, she says, were “small, but very fast,” and that made every possession a challenge. However, the speed and intensity didn't scare Katy, who says that in those matches she discovered “that I could give more than I imagined.”

Since returning to Alcobendas, she's been training with Valcude Alcobendas , her lifelong club, and her progress is noticeable. " Now I feel stronger and more confident ," she explains. Before, she didn't take three-pointers or dare to shoot, but now she tries with confidence. "I try harder, I help the team, and I encourage my teammates when they're sad. There are difficult times in basketball, but you have to keep going."

“I’ve learned to trust myself and my teammates.”

That positive attitude defines her approach to sports . Although she considers herself a calm and focused person, she acknowledges that there are good and bad days, but she always finds the motivation to keep going. She's been playing basketball for three or four years , and in that time she's grown a lot as a player and as a person. " I've learned to trust myself and my teammates ," she summarizes.

In 5x5, her other passion, Katy plays point guard , the position that allows her to organize and lead the game. She enjoys carrying the ball, passing, and creating plays. “ I like seeing my teammates score after a good pass ,” she says. Although she was afraid of shooting at the basket in her early training sessions, she has gradually loosened up and is now daring to take three-pointers.

Camaraderie, she says, is one of the most beautiful things about basketball. “ On my team, there's respect, support, and friendship ,” she says. Although she admits it's hard for her to open up at first, at the World Cup she made friends from other teams and gradually began to open up. “I don't talk much, but I like meeting people and sharing moments.”

Along the way, Katy has had fundamental support: her family and her coaches. “ They're always there to encourage me and tell me I can do it, ” she explains gratefully. For her, basketball isn't just about competing or winning, but about having fun. “ I feel like playing ; it makes me happy. Sometimes I win, other times I lose, but the important thing is to keep trying and keep going.”

Competing against boys at her club has also taught her to excel. “They're stronger, but I try twice as hard and keep going.” That determination has led her to become an example for many other athletes with intellectual disabilities .

Looking ahead to this season, her goal is clear: to continue improving and moving forward as a team . Listening, learning, and never giving up are the keys that drive her. "Every training session is an opportunity to do better," she assures.

“It’s not just about winning, it’s about having fun and having a good time.”

Being a world runner-up hasn't changed her way of thinking. "For me, basketball isn't just about winning, it's about having fun and having a good time, " she says naturally. She believes the important thing is to give your all, regardless of the outcome.

She looks to the future with excitement. She'd like to return to the national team and win a gold medal , although she insists that the journey is more important than the destination. "If we keep working, we'll achieve it," she says with conviction.

Of the two disciplines, he prefers 5x5 , his favorite format. He has already trained with the national team and dreams of representing Spain in that category as well. “ I would love to wear the Spanish jersey again ,” he confesses.

Before closing, she sends a message to other children with intellectual disabilities who, like her, dream of playing sports: “ Fight for your dreams , don't give up. Little by little, things happen. It was hard for me, but I did it, and they can do it too.”