Olympic Games
SIC Interview
Tomorrow marks 40 years since Carlos Lopes won the first gold medal for Portugal at the Olympic Games, and SIC spoke with the former athlete. Carlos Lopes recounted the historic moment with great joy, the result of much hard work, and called for more investment in Portuguese sports.
On the morning of August 12, 1984, the country woke up to see Carlos Lopes make history. It had been two and a half years of intense preparation for that moment.
“It was a sacred moment that made people believe it was worth doing sports in Portugal. (…) I always believed it was possible; I worked to be an Olympic champion because I had that conviction. I knew my worth and, above all, the knowledge I had of my opponents. I worked to be an Olympic champion,” says Carlos Lopes in an interview with SIC.
Carlos Lopes flew in Los Angeles and achieved the first gold medal for Portugal at the Olympic Games. The secret? A lot of hard work
“When I finished the race, it was a feeling that this is mine; no one can take it away from me. I went to eat a hamburger because I was extremely hungry,” he recalls.
Despite the obstacles along the way, a true example of resilience and ambition, not even a car accident shortly before departing for the United States deterred him from his dream.
“Since nothing was broken, I was calm (…) I never panicked because it wasn’t worth it.”
Born in Viseu, the boy from the village, always calm, became a man with golden legs. 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 21 seconds, an Olympic record for 24 years.
Much has changed in 40 years, and the former athlete calls for a greater investment in sports.
Throughout an immense career, many tributes have been made, and at 77 years old, he continues with two books. No matter how many years pass, Portugal will never forget its first Olympic champion.