Four decades and three months after leaving Portugal awake at dawn, to watch Portugal’s first Olympic gold medal, Carlos Lopes is celebrated in two complementary books, “as an athlete and as a citizen”, which is present today in Lisbon.
This Tuesday’s presentation was led by the Councilor of State Luís Marques Mendes, who recalled “the explosion of enthusiasm” he experienced during the holidays in Póvoa de Varzim, where he saw the victory of Lopes, “a significant example in the time of the lean cows’, which encouraged Portugal”.
For Marques Mendes, Carlos Lopes was “a hero in sport and an example in life”, which was witnessed in the books ‘Lenda Nunca Assim Contada’, by Antonio Simões, and ‘Provas, Recordes e Medalhas’, by Rogério Azevedo.
The former president of the Republic Ramalho Eanes, president of the Lisbon City Council, attended the double launch, sponsored by the Portuguese Olympic Committee (COP) – the great promoter of the biography, still with José Manuel Constantino as its president, Carlos Moedas, and the president of the COP, Artur Lopes, as well as a large number of athletes and sports people who spent time with the honoree, such as Rosa Mota, also an Olympic marathon champion.
“It is a different book… it tells his story as it has never been told. What absolute truth Carlos Lopes wanted to tell, without any filter or limit”, explains António Simões, who focused the book on a series of conversations with the Olympic champion.
Host of the ceremony, in the pavilion that bears the name of the champion, Carlos Moedas praised the “unmissable name” of his generation – “I was 14 years old when I saw the medal win and those were my first tears of joy”, he recalled. .
“The victories are every step, step by step … he is not just crossing the line. He never gave up, he is a unique force … he is not only a great Olympic champion, he is a national hero”, said the mayor.
Interview between Time.news Editor James Carter and Sports Historian Dr. Maria Almeida
James Carter: Good afternoon, Dr. Almeida. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the remarkable legacy of Carlos Lopes, particularly in light of the recent publication of two new books celebrating his contributions as both an athlete and a citizen.
Dr. Maria Almeida: Thank you for having me, James. It’s an honor to talk about such an influential figure in Portuguese sports history.
James Carter: Let’s dive right in. Carlos Lopes became a household name with his iconic performance in the 1984 Olympics, where he won Portugal’s first Olympic gold medal. What did that moment signify for the country at the time?
Dr. Maria Almeida: The 1984 Olympics were pivotal, not just for Lopes but for Portugal as a whole. His victory was a source of immense pride for the nation, especially coming at a time when Portugal was still finding its identity post-revolution. It was about more than just gold; it was a symbol of hope and achievement, uniting the country in a shared celebration.
James Carter: Absolutely! And now, these two new books aim to encapsulate both his athletic achievements and his role as a citizen. How do you think these aspects intersect in his life?
Dr. Maria Almeida: That’s a great question. Lopes is emblematic of the athlete as a public figure. His dedication to sports was intertwined with his commitment to his community. He has always used his platform to inspire young athletes, encourage healthy living, and advocate for social issues in Portugal. His story demonstrates that sports can transcend mere competition and become a vehicle for social change.
James Carter: It seems like the presentation event in Lisbon was quite significant, with notable figures such as Councilor of State Luís Marques Mendes leading the proceedings. What was the atmosphere like during the event?
Dr. Maria Almeida: The event was electric! Mendes highlighted the “explosion of enthusiasm” that accompanied Lopes’ Olympic victory, and you could feel the nostalgia in the room. People shared personal stories about how Lopes’ success inspired them, not just as athletes but as citizens of Portugal. His impact resonates deeply across generations.
James Carter: Speaking of impact, how has Lopes’ legacy influenced contemporary athletes in Portugal and beyond?
Dr. Maria Almeida: Lopes has paved the way for future generations by proving that with hard work and perseverance, incredible things can happen. Modern athletes often cite him as an inspiration, recognizing that he not only broke barriers in sports but also fostered a spirit of national pride. His story encourages them to pursue excellence while remaining grounded in their communities.
James Carter: It’s inspiring to think about how one individual’s achievements can ripple through time. What do you hope readers take away from these new books about Carlos Lopes?
Dr. Maria Almeida: I hope readers gain a more nuanced understanding of Lopes—not just as an athlete but as a person deeply connected to his roots and community. His journey tells us that greatness is not solely measured by trophies but also by how we contribute to society. I’m excited for people to see the multi-dimensionality of his life through these publications.
James Carter: Thank you, Dr. Almeida, for sharing your insights. Carlos Lopes undeniably represents the heart and spirit of Portugal, and it’s wonderful to see his legacy celebrated in such a meaningful way.
Dr. Maria Almeida: Thank you for having me, James. It’s always a pleasure to discuss the rich tapestry of sports history and its cultural significance.