About David Torrence

David Torrence grew up in a small Peru, as he used to say, with an American father and a mother from Huancayo. After his father, a member of the US Navy, passed away when he was six years old, his maternal grandmother's house - also from Huancayo - became his home. Although he lived in the United States, he consumed Peruvian food, television, and music every day.

David Torrence, silver medalist in the 5,000 meters at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games, began his middle distance career representing the United States. And although Rio 2016 was only his second test as a Peruvian, competing with the white and red flag was an idea he had for many years. In 2008, he even began the procedures but was poorly advised.

"Not only do I want to run for Peru, but I also want to help develop middle distance athletes. We have the potential, I have seen many good runners, but I believe that there is still room for improvement in terms of preparation," David told El Comercio last year during the Olympics.

Torrence made his debut at his first Olympics in Rio 2016. Although he was qualified for the 1,500 and 5,000 meters, he decided to only run the latter race. British athlete and Olympic champion Mo Farah was also on the starting line. "I always go into a race thinking about winning. You have to aim high if you want to achieve it. I think I can make it to the finals and once there, anything can happen," he said before the competition.

In his first race as a Peruvian, he broke the national record in the 1,500 meters. In Rio 2016, he qualified for the final of the 5,000 meters and finished in 13th place.

"He wants to show the world that Peruvians can compete and be the best in the world," explained David Torrence when asked during the competition in Brazil why he was competing for Peru.