Pre Race Press Conference

Mutual admiration, humbleness, and praise for the supporting city. Clearly I was not at an NBA press conference, but the 2006 Race Walking World Cup’s Press Conference.

Five athletes spoke to the crowd, each more diplomatic than the previous speaker. If you do not know the Olympic, World Championship, and World Cup gold medalist Jefferson Perez, you might assume he had an ego given his long list of accomplishments. However, those who know “El Presidente” Perez know that he is a kind and humble champion.

When asked if he wins tomorrow if he would be considered the best 20K walker ever, he responded with a story of Italians seeing him on the street. When one pointed to Perez and said to the others, “Do you know who that is?” the kids didn’t know. The man quickly touted Perez’s accomplishments, but the kids didn’t believe him, responding that he was too short and thin to be that good.

Perez, a self-called “normal guy” claims he doesn’t use a lot of high tech in his training nor is his food the best, so for all of you making excuses why you can’t achieve your goals, take a lesson from Perez. Just go out and walk.

Perez continued by praising Robert Korzenowski as the best ever, stating that there was no need for anyone else to be the best.

Francisco Javier Fernandez, Claudia Stef, Nathan Deakes and Jane Saville all had equal praise for their competition, the city of La Coruna and well wishes for all.

Jane Saville (Australia) and Francisco Javier Fernandez (Spain)

Jefferson Perez (Ecuador)

Nathan Deakes (Australia) and Claudia Stef (Romania)