Jefferson Perez, Gold and Rolando Saquipay, Silver for Ecuador in the Pan American Games. 
BRAZIL, 22/07/2007. BRAZIL, July 22, 2007. On a hot and humid afternoon in Rio de Janeiro, the Ecuadorian race walkers took the gold and silver medals at the XV Pan American Games. In this way, Jefferson completed his competitive cycle in this event, winning a total of four medals (gold in 1995m 2003, and 2007; bronze in 1999), becoming the sportsman who has won the most medals for Ecuador in the history of these Games.
The competition took place under extreme weather conditions of 30 degrees centigrade and 90% humidity, causing considerable dehydration among the athletes and forcing them to drink more liquid than is normal in this type of event. Sixteen athletes, representing 10 countries, took part. In the first kilometers, a homogeneous group led the field until the 5 km point, when the Mexican, Cristian Berdeja took the lead by a few meters. At 10 km, the lead changed in favor of the Ecuadorian athletes, Perez and Saquipay, who together took over the first position, openly challenging the Colombian, Gustavo Restrepo. From there on, however, Jeff did not relinquish the lead, nor did Saquipay slow his pace, thus assuring first and second place, respectively, followed by the Colombian, Gustavo Restrepo, in third.
RESULTS MEN’S 20 K WALK
1 365 PEREZ, Jefferson ECUADOR 1h22:08
2 367 SAQUIPAY, Rolando ECUADOR 1h23:28
|
