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'Piccolo' Clemente: "Lima 2019 sets historical precedent for sports"

Photo: Lima 2019

Photo: Lima 2019

15:40 | Lima, Aug. 7.

Story written in the sea. Benoit 'Piccolo' Clemente is not only part of the Peruvian surfing team that has positioned this sport at the top, but also is an authorized representative to talk about the before and after the Lima 2019 Pan American Games.

As is known, the Peruvian struck gold in the men's longboard final Sunday at Lima 2019 Pan American Games.

The popular surfer known as 'Piccolo' said this multi-sports competition "sets a historical precedent for Peruvian sports" and "has opened the doors for many people to get to know new sports and disciplines."

"I'm very pleased to see families and parents with their children. Allowing their children to experience these Pan American Games is priceless... I'm very grateful to the Peruvian fans who were present at the (Punta Rocas) beach. To get out of the sea and find that amount of people, the red-white squad," he recalled with excitement.

A golden year

Benoit 'Piccolo' Clemente described his current performance as very important and expects to end this year with three titles to meet his goals.

"I'm going to fight for the world title, which will be the third one if I win. I will try to end this year with these three titles. I'm achieving all the objectives," Clemente said.

The Lima 2019 Organizing Committee called a press conference held at the Lima Convention Center in the district of San Borja. In addition to 'Piccolo,' Peruvian surfers Lucca Mesinas, Daniella Rosas, Vania Torres, and Giannisa Vecco attended this conference. Mesinas qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after winning gold in open surfing last Sunday.

Moreover, Rosas earned the gold medal at only 17 in the women's open surfing and secured her ticket to the Olympic Games next year. Besides, Torres picked up the silver medal in stand-up paddle, and Vecco was very close to earning a spot on the podium in this event.

Editor's note: Based on information provided by Lima 2019.

(END) NDP/ISG/RMB/MVB

Published: 8/7/2019