PILAR JÁUREGUI: PERU’S NATIONAL TREASURE

The atmosphere was impressive. The Para badminton competitions at Lima 2019 were coming to an end. On the court, Peruvian Pilar Jáuregui was facing off Canadian Yuka Chokyu in the WH2 class (person in a wheelchair with mobility in the trunk).

The first set was a contested affair. Chokyu, who has taken part in three Paralympic Games (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008), made things hard for Jáuregui. However, the Peruvian player managed to display her top game, particularly in the second set (21-1).

“This was our goal. This achievement is the result of our double training and all our sacrifice. I never expected such encouragement from the fans. They’ve made all this special and unique,” stated Pilar.

Proud Parents

Martín Vizcarra, President of Peru, and Carlos Neuhaus, President of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee, were on the grandstands. Only a few meters away, a couple of proud parents were unable to hold back their excitement.

They were Pilar’s parents: Raquel and Gerardo. “It’s been amazing to see Pilar win on home soil, at this beautiful venue. It’s been wonderful,” her mother stated.

“What we parents have to go through with our children is really tough. But we have to carry on and support them to pursue their dreams. It’s impossible to put how we feel into words. It's a feeling of pride and love for our country,” her father stressed.

“This medal belongs to them, to my family, because they’ve always supported me,” the Lima 2019 Ambassador said.

Presidential Medal

The medal ceremony featured Peruvian President, Martín Vizcarra. Pilar received her medal and left a message for him

“I hope he continues to support Para athletes because we’ve shown that we can succeed. I’m sure that, after the Games, many kids are going to feel like taking up sports,” the medalist ended.