The deeds of two weightlifters and a cyclist moved to tears -of joy and pride-.
24, 01, 02 | July August
In certain unforgettable years, glory covered Ecuadorian sports. For some feat carried out by a man or a woman from the middle of the world, the name of the country became universal. They moved, in their respective moments, the planetary titles of tennis player Pancho Segura, the goals of Alberto Spencer (which gave Peñarol two world stars), the Roland Garros trophy that Andrés Gómez brought from Paris and the Olympic gold and silver medals of marcher Jefferson Pérez, who also ruled the world with three consecutive coronations in athletics events. In each of those years the tricolor sport reached the pinnacle. But what happened in 2021 is unparalleled.
“Many people said ‘this sport is not for women, it is for men.” Tamara Salazar, silver medal
That can be considered the best year in the history of sport in Ecuador because in the highest event of this activity, the Olympic Games, the national performance exceeded expectations and bolder dreams. The deeds of two weightlifters and a cyclist moved to tears -of joy and pride-. The memory of Neisi Dajomes, Tamara Salazar and Richard Carapaz on the Tokyo 2020 podiums still shudders. They defeated international rivals and also the abandonment, neglect and mistreatment of the sports leadership. They came to Asia with a series of problems inherited from the previous public administration, but determined to make history.
‘Carapaz is an Olympic hero of gold and pride of Ecuador!’, EL UNIVERSO labeled the information about the gold medal won by the Carchense on July 24 in the road test, in a route of 234 kilometers. In an atypical morning (with 14 hours of difference with respect to Japan), around 03:00 in cities, neighborhoods, streets, homes throughout the country the scandal reached unsuspected decibels. “Wake up, Carapaz is winning!” Was the most repeated cry. It was a tremendous effort of 6 hours, 5 minutes and 26 seconds, a time that seemed endless and dramatic in the final leg of the competition, but La Locomotora was on time for its appointment with glory.
On August 1, the adrenaline blast was still on when weightlifter Dajomes made hearts almost jump out of the chest. In Tokyo, the one born in Puyo was the best, despite the “rather big oversight” that she denounced six months earlier. Neisi’s gold had a special, profound impact, as she was the first tricolor female Olympic champion. With outstanding quality she became the queen of the 76 kilogram division. He lifted a total of 263 kg (118 + 145). There was no pause for jubilation; 24 hours later, also in weightlifting, Salazar became a legend. “Mija, you can”, was the message of support from the mother of the Carchense before the Olympic test. And Salazar could: he took over the silver in the 87 kg. He lifted a total of 263 kg (113 + 150). A heroine, the 24-year-old weightlifter from Carche. (D)
47 Athletes
Ecuador brought that number of athletes to Tokyo 2020. The highest figure in history.
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
