Pedro Pablo Pichardo was honored this Wednesday by the Municipality of Setúbal for winning the triple jump world title. Born in Cuba, the Benfica athlete recognized that his early days in Portugal were not easy.
“Two or three years ago things changed a lot. We cannot forget and deny the situations that happened when I arrived in the country. Before it was more difficult when walking on the street, there were many controversies. People now speak better to me. Now I can speak Portuguese and I understand better too. Everything has changed now, even when I go to the mall or the supermarket with my family, or walk down the street, it has been very good», recalled Pichardo, who became naturalized Portuguese in 2017.
Less than a year after having unveiled a plaque alluding to the title of Olympic champion won in Tokyo, Pedro Pablo Pichardo did not hide his satisfaction at being honored again by the municipality of Setubal.
“It’s a very good feeling. The only way I have to say thank you is to continue to have good results. Since I arrived in Setúbal I have always been welcomed. I am very grateful and happy for the plate. It was a very beautiful tribute and it makes me very happy”, he said.
This month, Pichardo will face the European Championships in Munich. But in addition to always thinking about winning, the Benfica athlete assumes that he even aims to reach the world record, set at 18.29 meters.
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