Isabel Garcia Sanz - GLSA Lifetime Achievements Award 2026
Greece 01.01.2026. The Greek Lifesaving Sports Association presented the prestigious Lifetime Achievements Award 2026 to the former Vice President of the European Lifesaving Federation and the Vice President of the Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation, Isabel Garcia Sanz for long outstanding contributions to drowning prevention and lifesaving sport at national, European, Mediterranean and world level.
Isabel García Sanz is one of the most accomplished and influential leaders in international lifesaving at a sport, professional and humanitarian level. With over 30 years of service, her work has shaped lifesaving policy, education, and organizational leadership at global level. Trained as a primary education teacher and holding a Master’s degree in Coaching and Sport Leadership from the University of Barcelona and the Spanish Olympic Committee, she has combined educational excellence with strategic vision to professionalize lifesaving sport and drowning prevention worldwide. She has held senior leadership roles in over a dozen major national and international organizations, including serving since 2004 as President of the Spanish Lifesaving Federation and as a long-standing executive member, Vice President, and Commission President within the Spanish Olympic Committee. Internationally, she has been a key figure within the International (ILS) and European (ILSE) Lifesaving Federations, and as the founder and long-time President of the Latin American Lifesaving Federation (FLASS). Her contributions have been recognized with 15 prestigious national and international honors, including the Olympic Order, the ILS Knight of Lifesaving, multiple Royal Orders of Sporting Merit, and international distinctions for advancing lifesaving and aquatic safety.
Upon reception of the award, Isabel, commented: “I sincerely thank Stathis and the GLSA for this recognition. It will hold a special place in my heart, because it comes from a sincere gesture of friendship, which is more than can be said for other distinctions awarded out of obligation than a desire to recognize work that has been done. For me, it is an honor not only to receive this distinction, but even more so to have been able to share with you, our friendship and hours of work to modernize water safety and lifesaving sport to serve the citizens of Europe and the Mediterranean basin. I and FLASS, remain your allies, and will work together on the values we share.”
The GLSA President, Dr Stathis Avramidis, said: “Isabel is a tireless advocate for drowning prevention and good governance. She is globally respected for her morality, work ethic, dedication, determination, and modesty. The GLSA feels proud to honor such a transformative lifesaving leader! Isabel has earned an eternal place on the pedestal of history and the hearts of the people who were privileged to work with her!” Photos: Isabel Garcia Sanz, GLSA.
