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Our Peruvian athletes visited the Athletics Stadium at VIDENA for the first time, and their first reaction was emotional. It was an expected reaction. After several years of competing in inadequate conditions and worn-out tracks, the around 290 athletes and Para athletes had the opportunity to inaugurate the world-class track during the third official tryout.
From now on, our athletes will not warm up in dirt tracks or run over an old Tartan track. Now they have a venue that makes them feel top-level athletes. A feeling shared among those who are involved in the Olympic circuit for many years such as Paola Mautino and Andy Martínez, and the novice ones who came from many parts of the country to know the new athletics venue.
“This Athletics Stadium exceeded our expectations. This level is something I’ve only seen on TV, in World Championships or Olympic Games. This makes us feel important and how can you not run well in a venue that is so spectacular,” said Mauricio Garrido, who competed in 100 and 400 meters, as well as in 110-meter hurdles.
Esperanza Manrique, who competed in the 4 x 400 relay event, had a similar impression. Although she has been three years in the national team, Lima 2019 will be her first big event. “You can feel the difference with this track. To run in these conditions motivates us more and leads to make great strides to try to set a new record,” she emphasized.
The South American Senior Championships, to be held from May 24-26 in the Athletics Stadium at VIDENA, will be the big test event. It is not only useful for athletes to improve their records for the Pan American Games, but also to know the capability of this venue to host events. This renovated stadium impressed even Usain Bolt.
EXCITED PARA ATHLETES
Expectations were not only generated in the competition area. Dozens of fans, including relatives, cheered up both athletes and Para athletes the same. It was exciting to see so many Para athletes showing that they are prepared to improve their performance.
With an arm impairment, Elder Gallardo won the 100-meter race and improved his record in some hundredths. After running over the track of the Athletics Stadium for the first time, he trembled all over, and now he is waiting to go through the control of the National Paralympic Association to be present at Lima 2019.
OLYMPIC-LEVEL TRACK
A red level-1 nine-lane track was installed for the Pan American and Parapan American Games competitions. The quality standards are similar to those used in the London 2012 Olympic Games and will be the ones also used in Tokyo 2020. Natural grass has been laid in the center to carry out the javelin, discus and hammer throw tests.
The Athletic Track passed the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) certification tests, having undergone laboratory and delimiting tests. In this sense, the venue will be ready to host first-class competitions because of its world-class infrastructure.
ABOUT THE VIDENA
The renovated Athletic Track is located in the main venue and core of the Games: the Pan American and Parapan American Village. The VIDENA will host 10 competitions: Athletics, swimming, track cycling, handball, judo, badminton, table tennis, artistic skating, bowling and squash. Additionally, it will host Para Athletics, Para swimming, wheelchair basketball, Para powerlifting, judo, Para badminton, Para table tennis and Para track cycling for the Parapan American Games.
