Carlos Lopes, Olympic champion of the 1984 Los Angeles Marathon, felt this Monday that he had an international career that exceeded the expectations of the Portuguese.
“I started with nothing and ended up beyond anyone’s imagination,” said the former athlete, now 75, as he was honored by the Portuguese Olympic Committee (COP) at his home.
During a mission led by President José Manuel Constantino, the COP celebrates five gold medals in its history, including Rosa Mota (marathon), Fernanda Ribeiro (10,000 meters), Nélson Évora and Pedro Pichardo, both in the triple jump.
“I have never been resigned, because I always wanted more, better, in my actions. I did things that few thought possible. They are unique moments, they are moments that many people are grateful for today and that will always be in my heart sit,” he finished.
Carlos Lopes, who received the honor in the company of his wife and daughter, acknowledged the unexpectedness of the celebration, but remembered that his life was full of surprises and people who helped him go far.
“I didn’t go alone, I had a lot of people and I thank everyone who helped me to do what I did and to be what I am,” concludes the first Olympic champion from Portugal and who had won silver in the 10,000 meters. meters in Montreal 1976.
José Manuel Constantino, who presented him with a symbolic artistic work by Telmo Guerra, highlighted the “inspiring moment” played by Carlos Lopes, who he said showed that “the Portuguese can be as good as the rest”.
“(Carlos Lopes) is an example for Portugal and we need examples like yours,” said the leader, accompanied by Diana Gomes, president of the Olympic Athletes Commission, who believed the former marathoner represents the “hope that all athletes can achieve “what has never been achieved”.
Carlos Lopes was also a three-time World Cross-Country Champion, in addition to two silver medals in the same competition.
Source: DN
