France eventually honors Ballesteros as great athlete

text size

Franklin/Getty Images

France paid tribute to some of Spain's greatest athletes Wednesday, including Seve Ballesteros.

MADRID, Spain (AP) -- After first passing over golf great Seve Ballesteros and later adding him to the list, France paid tribute to some of Spain's greatest athletes Wednesday.

Ballesteros, a five-time major champion, was released from the hospital Tuesday following a two-month stay and four separate brain surgeries on a cancerous tumor.

Generally attributed with changing the face of European golf, Ballesteros was not originally listed alongside the 26 Spanish athletes -- which included five-time Tour de France champion Miguel Indurain and Madrid 2016 Olympics bid chief Mercedes Coghen -- who received the French medal honoring youth and sport.

"I think he deserved this more than me because he opened a lot doors for us that came after him," said two-time Masters champion Josa Maria Olazabal, who has been one of the few people to have spent regular time with Ballesteros since he was admitted to the hospital on Oct. 6.

French sport minister Bernard Laporte and Spanish counterpart Jaime Lissavetzky each offered Ballesteros messages of encouragement during speeches that praised the country's accomplishments since its official entry into the European Union in 1986. But Ballesteros' name was not read when it came time for the role call of athletes.

French Embassy spokesman Michael Beloso told The Associated Press that Ballesteros was originally on the list but then removed when it became apparent that the 51-year-old Spaniard would not be able to attend the ceremony.

"He has received the distinction, but unfortunately due to the circumstances he was not able to come," Beloso said.

Two other athletes on the list failed to show and still received medals.

Alberto Contador, the 2007 Tour champion who became the fifth rider to win cycling's three premier events, and 2006 Tour champion Oscar Pereiro were not in attendance. Contador's brother, Francisco Javier, accepted the award on his behalf, while Pereiro's name was never read.

Laporte presented Lissavetzky with the Legion of Honor medal.

Olazabal, who combined with Ballesteros to shape the most formidable partnership in Ryder Cup history, said Ballesteros was in "great shape" mentally and physically after visiting him Monday.

"He's very good, perfect. We spent two hours speaking without problem," Olazabal said. "It's true that physically he has lost a lot of muscle, which is logical after being immobilized for so long. But I found him to be in very good physical health."

Olazabal said Ballesteros had no problems with speech or motor skills after his 66-day hospital stay and numerous surgeries -- including one on Oct. 24 that lasted 6 hours.

"There hasn't been any consequence," Olazabal said. "In reality, they thought he would have to stay another four or five days, but since they saw that he was in very good shape, they let him out early."

Ballesteros was taken to the hospital after fainting at Madrid's international airport and was only released from intensive care last Wednesday -- the first time he had been out of danger since his initial operation on Oct. 15.

Ballesteros, who is known for spectacular shots and fearless play, thanked doctors and hospital staff for helping him with the "hardest challenge of my life" after being released.

During his playing career, Ballesteros won three British Opens and two Masters titles and recorded 50 victories on the European Tour.