Quito -
Ecuadorian athlete Glenda Morejón wins silver in World Walking Championship
Ecuadorian athlete Glenda Morejón demonstrated her category once again by winning the silver medal in the 10-kilometer race at the World Walking Championship in Taicang, China last Saturday. In the same race, she also won a team silver medal along with Paula Torres (11th place). Thanks to this success, along with the silver medals won by Paola Pérez, Johana Ordóñez, and Magaly Bonilla in the 50-kilometer race, Ecuador finished in third place overall. On Monday night, during the team's stopover at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, this newspaper spoke with Giovan Delgado, the coach of the Ibarra star, over the phone.
Amid applause and cheers, the national team arrived at Guayaquil Airport yesterday.
Was the silver medal part of the plan?
It was expected that Glenda would finish among the top five, and if she could win a medal, even better. The most important thing was for her to be part of the elite, to not stand out from what she did in Kenya at the U18 World Championship, where she won the gold medal.
What was missing to win the race?
We have to consider that the best athletes in the world compete at the World Championship. Of the athletes who stood on the podium in Kenya, only Glenda won another medal. That leaves us very satisfied because in China she even fought until the end for the gold medal against the Mexican (Alegna González, gold medalist with a time of 45m08s). We were a little short, but we accomplished the plan.
Where did the chance for gold slip away in Taicang, China?
The problem occurred in the last kilometer and a half. Glenda ran with the Japanese athlete (Nanako Fujii, who won the bronze medal with a time of 45m29s) and tired herself. The Mexican athlete caught up from behind and had enough energy to finish. Furthermore, she has more experience in this category. Meanwhile, Glenda participated in a World Championship in the 10km race for the first time. She has a bright future.
What did Glenda say about this achievement?
She is calm and very happy. She knows she gave her best effort.
Was there a rush in the final stretch?
No, on the contrary, it was more about having finished earlier, around 4km, to gain a larger advantage. In the final part, when she passed the Japanese athlete, I thought we were going to win the gold, but the Mexican caught up and there was no more time.
Are you satisfied with the time recorded?
Her best time is 44m58s. At the South American Championship, she achieved 46m53s. In this World Championship, she could have achieved a better time, but the first three laps (each 2km) were not as fast. Glenda has improved since the South American Championship, and that is gratifying.
How has Glenda's preparation changed after nine months since winning the gold at the Youth World Championship, a competition she almost competed in without support, but now she has backing?
She receives support from the Ministry of Sports and the Ecuadorian Athletics Federation (FEA). I know that she receives a monthly scholarship of $579. They also cover all her airfare, meals, and accommodation expenses, as well as a sports bonus when she travels to international tournaments. Private companies also support her. In this case, the FEA and the Ministry took care of the expenses for her to participate in the World Championship. It was important because we helped her with a recovery program so she could face the race as she did.
Do you receive a salary for coaching the athlete?
No, I don't receive one from anyone. Neither from private companies, nor from the Ministry, nor from the Federation. In this case, it was deemed appropriate for me to go to the World Championship in China. Glenda recognized that as important. (D)