At the Sol y Arena race, an athlete on crutches, Iván Rodríguez, from Curridabat, won the hearts of the fans. The athlete lost his left leg in malpractice. He practices athletics because it got him out of depression a year and a half ago.
The strenuous activity is 9.8km. He finished in 1 hour and 30 minutes. Rodríguez was surprised to hear the applause of the public at all times. They cheered him on as he fought the loose sand and rising waves hitting his crutches.
“El Nica,” Freddy Medina, was by his side hydrating, motivating and advising him. Rodriguez proved that his determination is stronger than his disability as he crossed the finish line and took his medal.
He now dreams of doing a half marathon in the United States. He has been a guest at races in Panama and Nicaragua. He shares how he wasn’t social before but now he enjoys meeting people and seeing new places.
