In an emotional 2,000-meter steeplechase—an event held in 37-degree (Celsius) heat at the Iba Mar Diop Athletics Stadium—Peruvian athlete Thiago Goyzueta secured an impressive fifth-place finish this Monday at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Goyzueta clocked a time of 5:46.79, breaking the national record of 5:51.13 and coming within just one second of the South American record.
Immediately after the race, Thiago embraced Spain’s Pablo Vásquez—who finished in fourth place—and held up the Peruvian national flag on the track.
The young athlete from Arequipa then shared a warm embrace with his coach, Alfredo Quispe, saying, “Forgive me, Coach; I could have reached the podium, but I just couldn’t quite make it.”
Thiago’s coach replied, “Don’t worry, son. We’re on the right track.”
The Peruvian Olympic Committee’s “Team Peru,” present at the athletics stadium in Dakar, congratulated the athlete, who was also highlighted as one of the surprise standouts of the track and field events.
Following the competition, Thiago Goyzueta spoke to the Team Peru delegation in Dakar.
“Thank you for the encouragement. We almost reached the podium—we’ll aim for more next time. We competed against athletes from Africa, who are very strong. This performance is for Peru—for everyone. I’m very happy, truly joyful. Thank you,” said Thiago.
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