David Torrence

David Torrence is now David Torrence, pronounced in Spanish. Despite having over 18 years of competing in athletics, tomorrow will be the second time he represents Peru. The 5,000 meters of the Olympic Games is the event he has chosen to proudly wear the red and white and run for Peru.

Early Life

With an American father and a mother from Huancayo, Torrence grew up in a small Peru, as he says. After his father, a member of the US Navy, passed away when he was six years old, his maternal grandmother's house in Huancayo became his home. Even though he lived in the United States, he ate Peruvian food, watched Peruvian television, and listened to Peruvian music every day.

Athletic Career

David, a silver medalist in the 5,000 meters at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games, began his career in middle distance races representing the United States. Although Rio 2016 will only be his second competition as a Peruvian, competing with the national team was an idea he had for many years. In 2008, he even started the process but was poorly advised.

"I not only want to run for Peru, but I also want to contribute to the development of middle distance athletes. We have the potential, I have seen many good runners, but I believe there is still room for improvement in terms of preparation," explains David, who trained in Arequipa in January.

Olympic Debut

Torrence will make his Olympic debut tomorrow. Although he qualified for both the 1,500 meters and the 5,000 meters, he decided to only run the latter. The starting line will also feature British and Olympic champion Mo Farah. "I always go into a race aiming to win. You have to aim high if you want to achieve it. I believe I can make it to the finals, and once there, anything can happen," he says.

David is determined to run those twelve and a half laps as fast as he can. Just two weeks ago, in his first race as a Peruvian, he broke the national record in the 1,500 meters. In Rio 2016, he could do the same in the 5,000 meters.