Chubut province is celebrating a remarkable achievement at the National Games in Mar del Plata, clinching a total of 48 medals. This remarkable haul surpasses last year’s performance, where the province secured 41 medals.
among these victories, one medal shines particularly radiant, representing a triumph born from dedication and a unique setting.This story comes from Paso del Sapo,a small commune in Chubut,where 14-year-old Julieta Díaz has earned a silver medal in Badminton.
Under the guidance of Professor Denis Krieger, who has dedicated years to fostering sports in the region and likens Paso del sapo to a scene from Adolfo Aristarain’s film “A Place in the World,” Julieta’s journey to the finals was nothing short of extraordinary.
The Badminton final saw a compelling showdown between Julieta and a formidable opponent from Buenos Aires. Despite an undefeated streak leading up to the final, with five consecutive wins, Julieta faced a tough challenge. She ultimately fell 2-0 (21-14, 21-13) to her Buenos Aires rival, securing a well-deserved silver medal for Paso del Sapo and Chubut.
professor Krieger expressed immense pride in Julieta’s accomplishment. He highlighted the difficulty of reaching such a high level in national competitions, especially for athletes from smaller communities. Anyone who has participated in national instances where all the provinces are and where the champions of each province are knows how tough it is to reach a final. It is already difficult to reach a semifinal, it is already difficult to get hard,
Krieger stated.
He further emphasized the importance of Julieta’s achievement, noting her victories against strong competitors from Salta in the quarterfinals and Córdoba in the semifinals. And reaching a final is very meritorious if one takes into account that we come from a very small village,
Krieger added. I think that Julieta did. We are really happy.
This silver medal marks a meaningful return to the podium for Paso del Sapo at the National Evita Games after a seven-year hiatus. The truth is that it has been very nice to have a podium again,a medal,obviously,for Chubut,as we came to represent Chubut. But leaving our member dear step of the toad, I think it is more than meritorious,
Krieger remarked.
While the silver medal is a major accomplishment, the focus now shifts to future challenges. The journey to competitions like this involves significant travel, with events often requiring journeys of over 600 kilometers, as is the case for upcoming tournaments in Neuquén. The commitment and passion required from athletes like Julieta, and the support systems that enable them, are crucial for continued success in the demanding world of competitive sports.
