Andina

Peru: President leads recognition ceremony for Kimberly Garcia

Photo: ANDINA/Presidency of the Republic of Peru

19:43 | Lima, Jul. 27.

The President of the Republic Pedro Castillo on Tuesday headed the recognition ceremony for Peru's gold medalist Kimberly Garcia and expressed his full support for Peruvian sports with the aim of continuing to reap rewards at international events.

On behalf the Peruvian people, the Head of State thanked the outstanding participation of the Peruvian athlete, who recently won two gold medals at the World Athletics Championships Oregon 2022.
 
"Today is a special day; we have one warrior, one more champion thanks to the effort (...). She is the outcome of her effort, of the struggle, of the tenacity of her daily work, of her family's strength," Mr. Castillo expressed. 

The top official stressed that full support will be provided to Peruvian athletes from the Government since —this way— they can also unite the peoples more and better represent the country at international events, as did Kimberly García with her victories. 

Moreover, the President stressed that a true educational revolution also involves strengthening sports. Thus, all support will be provided through the Ministry of Education and the Peruvian Sports Institute (IPD).

At the ceremony, the athlete was also handed over a symbolic check for S/100,000 (about US$25,575) and a frame containing the sporting laurels in recognition of her achievements.

Gold medals

On July 15, Kimberly Garcia won Peru's first-ever gold medal at the World Athletics Championships —after dominating the women's 20km race walk in Eugene, Oregon.

She clocked 1hr 26min 58sec to smash her country's national record as she mastered the race in hot, sunny conditions.

A week later, on Friday, July 22, the 28-year-old athlete won her second race walk gold medal after striding away to victory in the 35km event. She clocked a South American record time of 2hr 39min 16sec for victory.

These two feats allowed Peru to take the seventh place of the medal table at the World Championships in Athletics Oregon 2022, beating Canada, the United Kingdom, Poland, Japan, and the Dominican Republic.

This is the first time that Peru is in the top 10 of a World Athletics Championship.

(END) JCR/MVB

Published: 7/26/2022