Juan de Dios Román

Spanish handball coach Juan de Dios Román served both club and country during a career that spanned more than three decades. In 1971 Román became the head coach at Atlético Madrid, with the team winning five Spanish titles and four editions of the Copa del Rey de Balonmano under his leadership. His success at the club led him to being appointed the coach of the Spanish national handball team in 1985, with him staying in the role for three years. During this time the Spanish team finished fifth at the 1986 World Handball Championships and ninth at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Román returned to Atlético Madrid in 1990 and coached them until 1992. By 1995 he was once again appointed the team coach of the national side, having much more success than his previous stint in charge. He led the team to bronze at the Olympics in 1996 and 2000, along with silver at the European Championships in 1996 and 1998, followed by a bronze in 2000. Spain also just missed out on a medal at the 1999 World Championships when they finished fourth. Following his coaching career Román served as the President of the Royal Spanish Handball Federation from 2008 until 2013. In 2017 he was honoured with a lifetime achievement award.