It was July 26th, 1996. A young man from Cuenca, called Jefferson Pérez, participated in the Atlanta Olympic Games in race walking. He got the gold medal in 20 kms and became the first and still the only Ecuadorian to get a gold medal in the Olympic games. People in Ecuador were amazed with such an achievement and everybody celebrated. The former President Sixto Durán-Ballén declared Jefferson Pérez a national hero. Twelve years later, he won the silver medal in the Olympic games of Pekin. He was also recognized around the world for being the world champion in race walking in 2003, 2005, and 2007. He was born on July 1st, 1974. He started his successful career in 1988 when he won his first championship in South America. By the time he won the Olympic gold medal, he had won about 40 championships. He competed with the best athletes worldwide and showed that Ecuadorians can be on top. He worked hard and trained for years in order to bring glory to our country. Jefferson Pérez should always be remembered and appreciated, as well as all those who have made Ecuador known around the world.