Drama in Tokyo: Pedro Pichardo in the last jump to another gold for his father

The men's triple leap last successful Tokyo provided 1 of the astir breathtaking finishes successful caller years. Pedro Pichardo, a 32-year-old Cuban who plays for Portugal, led from the 2nd circular with a leap of 17.55m and looked acceptable to triumph his 2nd satellite title. However, the Italian Andrea Dallavalle amazed everyone and performed a beingness leap of 17.64 m, taking archetypal place. Under tremendous pressure, Pichardo did not falter. 

In the past series, helium flew an unthinkable 17.91 m and returned to the top; helium added caller golden to his affluent postulation of medals.

"I was scared, but I ever prevention a small for the past jump. My woman doesn't similar it excessively much, she ever says that I person to springiness my each from the archetypal jump. I saved a small vigor connected the 5th leap and present we person the victory. When Andrea took the lead, it shook maine a little, but I knew that I had the spot for 1 much jump. This is simply a metropolis that I volition transportation successful my bosom for the remainder of my beingness - I became an Olympic champion here, and present a satellite champion," said Pedro.

Ending his career

After past season, helium admitted that helium had thought astir ending his career. 

"My begetter gave maine energy, helium did a miracle, particularly successful the past period and a half. He was successful the infirmary for much than a week, warring for his life. He is the 1 who didn't fto maine stop, helium asked maine to bash astatine slightest this year. I ever accidental that helium is the 1 who volition determine erstwhile I should extremity my career. This medal is for him, it volition enactment successful his house. He is the idiosyncratic who kept maine mentally strong. Last twelvemonth my authorities of caput was not good, I wanted to retire, but my begetter helped maine a lot."

Father Jorge is not lone a genitor but besides a coach; an innovative adept who has studied large triple jumpers for years and developed a peculiar method for his son. It was due to the fact that of him that Pedro near the Cuban nationalist squad and sought his luck successful Portugal; the Cuban federation did not privation his dada to beryllium his coach. He soon obtained Portuguese citizenship and the close to vie successful 2019; since then, helium has brought 2 world, Olympic and European titles to his caller country.