“My special moment was to play the Olympic Semifinal” – Alberto Munárriz on Olympic Pressure & Experience (Part 2)

In this episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, World Champion
Alberto Munárriz shares an honest and reflective perspective on
what makes the Olympic Games so unique – and why one specific
moment stands out above all others: playing an Olympic semifinal.
Alberto begins by explaining why the Olympics occupy a completely
different place compared to World Championships or European
Championships. Held only once every four years, the Olympic Games
combine sporting pressure with global attention on a scale
unmatched by any other competition. For athletes in less globally
visible sports like water polo, the Olympics represent the rare
moment when the entire world is watching. He vividly describes the
atmosphere surrounding the Games – from the massive investment in
venues and infrastructure to the intensity created by media
coverage, national expectations and the sheer symbolism of
competing for your country. Representing Team Spain is not just
about winning a match, but about contributing to the overall medal
count and national pride. A key part of the conversation focuses on
life inside the Olympic Village. Munárriz highlights how sharing
everyday spaces with the best athletes in the world creates a
unique sense of equality and connection. Eating together, living in
the same buildings and encountering sporting icons like Rafael
Nadal in elevators reinforces the feeling that, at the Olympics,
everyone stands on the same level. When asked about his most
personal Olympic memory, Alberto does not hesitate: playing the
Olympic semifinal. After missing the semifinal in Rio, stepping
into that match was emotionally powerful. The day before the game,
the build-up, the expectations and the collective focus made the
experience unforgettable – even though Spain ultimately lost to
Serbia. For Munárriz, the value of that moment goes far beyond the
final score. The episode then turns toward advice for young
athletes. Alberto stresses that while dreaming big is important,
enjoyment must always come first. His central message is clear:
have fun. Enjoying training, games and daily routines makes
long-term commitment possible and sustainable. Big goals like the
Olympics should be approached step by step, through small,
achievable milestones. Munárriz shares how he personally structured
his development. Rather than obsessing over the Olympic Games as a
distant goal, he focused on immediate objectives: breaking into the
first team, playing his first match, then becoming a regular
starter. Each step brought him closer to the ultimate dream without
overwhelming pressure. Recovery and regeneration are also
discussed. With many games played in short periods during major
tournaments and the Champions League, Alberto emphasizes the
importance of listening to one’s body. Breathing techniques,
stretching, quality sleep and occasional cold baths are part of his
routine, but he underlines that recovery is highly individual and
must be adapted to personal needs. The conversation closes with
reflections on longevity in modern sport. Thanks to improved
medical support, recovery methods and professional care, today’s
athletes are able to compete at a high level for longer than
previous generations. Munárriz expresses gratitude for being able
to live this life, travel across Europe, play in the Champions
League and continue representing his country at the highest level.
This episode is a calm, thoughtful and inspiring insight into
Olympic pressure, personal fulfillment and why the journey matters
just as much as the destination. More about the podcast:
https://www.schulzekopp.de