Ecuadorian Champion Jefferson Pérez Named Ambassador for Madrid Race Walk

Jefferson Pérez, the Ecuadorian Olympic champion from Atlanta 1996 and a triple world champion in race walking, has been appointed ambassador for the Gran Premio Internacional Madrid Marcha. Pérez expressed his deep honor at the prospect of participating in his sport along Madrid's iconic Gran Vía, describing it as walking "through the heart of the planet."

Recognized by the event's organization for his "career that marked an era and definitively opened the global dimension of Latin American race walking," Pérez conveyed his gratitude for the invitation. He views Madrid as a global capital and a place where the world's best race walkers will compete alongside emerging talents seeking opportunities, much like the thousands of immigrants arriving in Spain.

Pérez noted the welcoming nature of Madrid, stating, "I am glad to see that every person who arrives in Madrid is welcomed with open doors and hearts in the land of opportunities." He also observed a positive exchange between Spain and Ecuador, mentioning his meeting with Spanish entrepreneurs investing in Ecuador and appreciating the mutual respect for culture, traditions, and symbols.

Reflecting on his career, the 51-year-old athlete recalled historic moments, including competing in Rome's Colosseum, near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and now on Madrid's Gran Vía, which he equates to the "heart of the world." He shared his personal motto: "The strength of the spirit begins with the discipline of the body." The event will feature top international athletes, including Brazil's Caio Bonfim, Sweden's Perseus Karlstrom, and Italy's Massimo Stano, as well as Spanish competitors like Paul McGrath and Diego García Carrera.