Climb to the top of the podium Pan American Games Santiago 2023, after winning the marathon, was no reason for Cristhian Pacheco to be greeted with enthusiasm. Peruvian athlete Cristhian Pacheco won his second Pan American Games gold medal at the age of 29, equaling the milestone achieved by Brazil’s Vanderlei de Lima (Winnipeg 1999 and Santo Domingo 2003). The marathon runner, the second to last of nine siblings and father of two, spoke to La República about his next goals and the lack of help he is currently receiving.
—How did your affinity for athletics come about?
“Thanks to my brother, I entered the world of athletics. I didn’t like it, but little by little I started to win, I got the hang of it and the training was more thorough and professional. Until I 100% decided to enter the world of athletics.
— Did you enjoy another sport before athletics?
—He played football in the Junín region of the Chilca district. We have a large stadium there with about 4 or 5 soccer fields. As a child, we would always go out with my neighbors to play football and I would play three to six times for at least a week.
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Joined. The Peruvians present in Santiago supported him. Photo: Distribution
—Is there an important event that influenced you in athletics?
—For me personally, 2016 was the best year of my life because I took part in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. I was there when I was 20 and it was my first time. Besides, I was happy because I went with my brother. We both took part in the same test and it was a very nice experience. After these Olympics my brother became my coach and that is another sensation.
—What is your relationship like with your brother as a coach?
—I have been training with my brother for about six years, since 2017. We separate both things. It’s one thing to be a coach and an athlete. Everything is with respect. As a trainer, he also corrects me when I train poorly or fail something. When that happens, I put my head down and continue training. As soon as the training is finished, we will become brothers again.
—A difficult or complicated moment you have experienced?
—When we have big competitions like the Pan American Games, the Olympics or marathons, we put our family aside and focus 100% on training. We sacrifice many things, such as being with family and not keeping important commitments like birthdays. For example, October 21st was my mother’s birthday and I wasn’t there because I was just one day away from competing in the Pan American Games.
YOU CAN SEE: Cristhian Pacheco awaits support from the IPD and the Federation: “I still haven’t received any calls”
—What other activities do you do besides athletics?
—This year I just studied physical education. I am also studying another course of study, I am in my second semester at Continental University in the psychology course.
—As for your preparation for the Pan American Games, does Peru have the infrastructure to train for tough competitions?
“We don’t have the infrastructure.” To be able to train in the Junín region, we only have one stadium and one athletics track, namely the 3 de Octubre stadium. The other stadiums are not in good condition for us. The second thing would be that the support that the IPD and the federation is minimal. It is not enough to be able to survive as a top athlete. I appeal to private companies, the state, IPD and the association to focus more on this sport. We know that the Junín region, the province of Huancayo, is the cradle of long-distance running. There are many athletes who have achieved success, championships, South American, Pan American and World Championships. I think there should be more support for this region.
—Did they contact you after you explained that the IPD and FPA did not meet you at the airport?
—Well, I haven’t received a call from anyone yet. As for the arrival in Lima, I think that both the IPD and the Athletics Federation lack more communication, otherwise they will not be interested; Maybe they have their reasons and motives. As an athlete it is unfortunate because the IPD, the Federation and the Olympic Committee know when we travel and return.
YOU CAN SEE: Cristhian Pacheco won the gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Games
—What’s next for you?
-I’m still waiting. At the moment I still haven’t arrived in Huancayo. I will be in Lima until Thursday October 26th as I undergo therapy to recover after the marathon. On Friday I leave for France until November 2nd or 3rd. From there I return to Lima and then travel to Huancayo to be with my family again. We will wait for these days to pass, hoping that they (IPD and the Federation) will join this project and the dream that I have, which is to fight at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028.
—What is your goal for the 2024 Paris Olympics?
“The truth is that, God willing, I dream of winning an Olympic medal. I only have two Olympic Games left, namely in Paris and Los Angeles. I will be an elite athlete for 5 to 6 years.
—Is there a company that supports you?
—Now I’m just with the private company Nike; I have been working with them for years.
YOU CAN SEE: Cristhian Pacheco has broken a national record and qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics
—Up to what age do you plan to compete?
– Until the age of 37 or 38, after participating in the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028. I want to arrive in optimal conditions and therefore call on private companies to join this project to make these two Olympic cycles possible to achieve my best moment and, God willing, to be on the podium. In addition, I call on private companies to support the newly emerging quarries because, according to me, there should not be just one Christian Pachecobut 10 Gladys Tejeda or 10 Inés Melchor.
—After you retired, did you think about pursuing athletics?
—Together with my brother Raúl I am thinking about starting an athletics school. With this school that we are going to open, we hope to bring out new values and talents, instilling in them the spark of longing for the dream of the Olympic medal for all Peruvians.