Ecuador raises a tumult on Jeff's arrival. 
ECUADOR, 16/09/2004. The envy that Jefferson Perez awakened among the politicians of Ecuador was enormous, as thousands of persons spontaneously filled the streets, throwing flowers and requesting autographs. But Jefferson responded with the same enthusiasm, breaking protocol to approach his fans, to greet them and shake the hands of all those who had been awaiting his arrival since 5:00 p.m. at the airport and along the streets of Cuenca.In San Blas Park a large crowd chorused his name and that of his companions, Piedra, Saquipay and Idrovo, while the Fire Department vehicle continued its route to the Sports Arena, where more persons awaited the athlete and where the dignitaries of the province presented him with expressions of appreciation."This time I bring no medals, but I bring a message of effort", said Jefferson, who also asked for maturity on the part of the press, sports directors and authorities so that athletes will make the effort. "If we do not mature, we will never win Olympic medals," remarked Jefferson.
Nothing dampened the clamor generated by his arrival.
The underpass located near the Chola Cuencana monument to be officially opened in a few days was placed in service, so the caravan of cars that accompanied Jefferson could pass through the Historic Center of the city on its way to the Sports Arena. The citizens of Cuenca began preparations early to receive the athlete. They ignored the rain and cold as they decorated their balconies, while the members of the Race Walking School gathered to receive the athletes.
After the homage rendered by the townspeople as well as the dignitaries of the province, a press conference was held in the event hall of the Azuay Sports Federation, at which Jefferson expressed that he will continue competing, as he is at the apex of his sports career; therefore, he will not discontinue taking part in national and international competitions. Later he pointed out that the 2004 Athens Olympics will be the last of his career because he will be 34 by the next Olympics.
The all-time best athlete of Ecuador thanked the Ecuadorian people and particularly the people of Cuenca for their understanding and the permanent support that they have given him throughout his sports career. He pointed out that he prepared himself to win and was set on doing so, but unfortunately, this time it was not to be.
Regarding why he participated in the 50 Km walk, he said that one of the reasons for doing so was the innumerable phrases he received from the Ecuadorian people, and the phrase that most impressed him was "Jefferson, do what you have to do," if you want to do it, go ahead, and if you don't, then don't do it. "And that made me meditate and decide to participate in the 50 Km, but I did it for my country."
He also said that if we Ecuadorians don't change our mentality, even if we have the economic support, we won't be able to attain an Olympic medal. He added that the 50 Km event is a nice event, but the nicest part was finishing the competition, in spite of practically feeling that he was going to pass out. About the election as representative of the athletes in the International Olympic Committee, he maintained that what was most important was competing and fulfilling the mission he had laid out, which was to attain victory. The rest of the athletes who had participated in these Olympic Games of Athens, Greece also arrived.
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Hoy Newspaper
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