Long Jumper Irving Saladino - Panama’s National Hero

Olympic gold medal winner Irving Saladino is back in Panama. The government declared today a government holiday, allowing tens of thousands of Panamanians to greet Saladino at the Albrook Airport upon his return to Panama.

Saladino also took part in a parade throughout Panama City on his way to his hometown of Colon. While I was watching Saladino’s return on TV, I noticed many Panamanians with tears in their eyes. Rightly so, Panamanians are extremely proud of their national hero, the only Panamanian to ever win an Olympic gold.

Panamanian president Martin Torrijos has also declared that the new sports complex under construction in Panama City will be named in honor of Saladino. Saladino certainly has sent a wonderful messages to Panamanian children, that no matter their background, they can still achieve greatness.

Here is a quick look at Saladino’s arrival in Panama.

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Filed under: News, Sports on August 21st, 2008