With a huge smile, he showed his excitement after being recognized by the citizens of Tingo María, the city where he was born. Leocadio Oliva Trelles has been practicing karate from a very young age. He has had national and international achievements throughout his outstanding career, making Tingo María proud. He is now 39 and has decided to pass on his knowledge from generation to generation: he is currently training young athletes in this traditional Japanese martial art.
“I’m proud and happy to carry the torch. I feel acknowledged by my community,” he said, before starting the torch relay route and running a distance of 200 meters in Tingo María.
Manuel Garrido Tencia is 71 years old, although he looks 17 when he runs. He was absolutely tireless during the Pan American Torch relay race, where he demonstrated why he was known as “quick arrow” when he was young. Former long-distance runner and Tingo María’s pride left this advice for young sport talents in Peru: “Healthy life, discipline and sports for everybody... That’s what I always say to those who know me.”
Germán Cos Rodríguez was waiting patiently at the top of the Bella Durmiente viewpoint, Tingo María’s most emblematic attraction. He was chosen by his community to be the last torchbearer of the Flame that illuminates us all. He is a prominent diver who has participated successfully in national and international competitions; the latest one was the 2013 Bolivarian Games, that took place in Trujillo. Now, he will take all his experience to the Lima 2019 Pan American Games, as he will participate as a table judge in diving competitions.