José Antonio Martínez Bayó

Martínez began his athletic career with the RCD Espanyol, but was part of CN Barcelona during most of it. He broke the Catalan records[3] of 1,500 m (1975) and 3,000 m (1974). He was part of the Spanish team in international competitions in four instances.[1] He was considered one of the best Spanish middle-distance runners of the 1970s.

He was Spanish champion of 1500 meters in indoor running during the years 1974 and 1975.[2] He was considered one of the best long-distance athletes of the seventies and in international competitions he had best year in 1975.[2] In that year he had a notable participation in the indoor Europeans in Katowice, Poland.[2]

He was seventh in his series, at the continental level, with a time of 4: 00.4.

• 5 Catalan Championships of 1500 meters: 1970, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1978
• 1 Catalan Indoor Championship of 1,500 meters: 1977
• 4 Catalan Indoor Championships of 3000 meters: 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974
• 2 Spanish Indoor Championships of 1,500 meters: 1974, 1975

• 1,500 meters 3:45.3 on February 8, 1975 in Dortmund (Germany).
• 3,000 meters 8:16.6 on March 2, 1974 in Sabadell (Spain).

Martínez died at age 67 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, due to complications caused by COVID-19.[2] The Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) announced his death on Twitter, highlighting his sporting achievements and extending its condolences to his family and friends.[1]

Due to the state of alarm due to COVID-19, his funeral was not held until June 6, 2020.