Athlete Pedro Pichardo, silver medalist in the triple jump at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, said Sunday that he intends to retire immediately, but will leave the final decision after meetings with sports organizations.
Pichardo, who spoke to the press upon his arrival in Lisbon, explained that the reason for this decision was based on both personal and sporting aspects.
“I have been thinking about retiring since last year. I had lower back pain, I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t even sleep properly. It was a very difficult period. There were also some problems both personally and professionally. And since then I started thinking about whether it was worth making such a big sacrifice, considering that I don’t have many advantages, I started talking to my family and I started to understand that I will stay here for these Olympics,” he explained.
Clarifying the statements made after winning the silver medal, the trio guarantee that they will announce a final decision soon.
“I just arrived, I haven’t spoken to my mother or my wife yet. I’ll talk to them first, then I’ll try to meet with sports organizations, including Benfica, and we’ll see what happens. Still, I’m not sure, but I’m thinking of staying here,” he said.
Unlike what happened when he arrived from Tokyo 2020, where he won the gold medal, Pichardot arrived this Sunday almost “incognito” in Lisbon, with the press just waiting, without flags, scarves or applause.
However, after his statements to journalists, some people asked him to take pictures.
Pichardeau was friendly and complied with all requests. Before doing so, he took the opportunity to once again ask for more support for the sport.
“In terms of modalities other than football, we don’t have much support. It’s clear that our country lacks a sports culture. There are many people who don’t follow sports, don’t follow big competitions like the Diamond League or the World Championship. There are many people who don’t know what I do. I meet people on the street who mispronounce my specialty and say that I do long jumps when I do a triple jump,” he emphasized.
While thanking the Setubal City Council for its support, particularly in providing sports facilities, Pichad suggests that there is a shortage of almost everything.
“Thank God, I have the support of the Setubal Chamber, where I train, but unfortunately I do not have all the conditions to train. I also have a physiotherapist who accompanies me, but he also has a job and can be with me all the time. That would be important for me,” he said.
If after reaching the second place on the podium, where he felt he had lost gold instead of winning silver, Pedro Pichardo is now more satisfied.
“It’s always a great feeling to stand on the podium, especially at the Olympics. We work towards this goal. I didn’t get gold, I got silver. This is another medal for me, for my team and for the country. “We are happy. I made a few mistakes during the race, I hit the board badly, lost a few centimeters there,” he concluded.