Days after her participation in the Pan American Games, the last of her career, taekwondo athlete Julissa Diez Canseco posted a message on Facebook to apologize for not winning a medal in Lima, but she thanked her fans for their love and support.
At 30 years old, Julissa Diez Canseco missed out on winning a gold medal at the Pan American Games. The closest she got was in Guadalajara 2011 when she lost in the final. After that, she never made it to the final again.
In Lima 2019, she was one of the main contenders for the gold medal. With experience and good preparation, it seemed like her dream would come true at home, in front of her fans. But it was just a dream, and she took to social media to express her feelings.
Read the message Julissa Diez Canseco posted on Facebook:
The Pan American Games are over for me.
I know it took me a while to post about my participation, but that's because I couldn't find the right moment; there were many mixed feelings, many things to think about and evaluate.
In my performance, I finished 4th, just shy of winning a medal.
This has been one of the toughest processes I have gone through, not only in training but in many aspects of life.
I wish it could have been different in my last performance in the Pan American Games, especially since it was at home.
I know many people had a lot of confidence in me, and I'm sorry. I also dreamed of that medal and worked very hard for it.
Competing at home has been one of the most beautiful opportunities I have ever had; the music, the crowd, my family, friends, and all the people who took the time to be at the arena supporting me: thank you very much! Stepping onto the mat and hearing Peru being cheered loudly, feeling that emotion and support is indescribable!
A special thanks to everyone who was part of the process, especially for their love and belief in me! To my coach, training partners, team members.
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