Fill in the Blanks Reading activity to complete Online version Reading activity to complete Jefferson Perez sports history by Nicolas Abdel Reinoso Montes 1 1996 Ecuadorian America 40 Ecuador gold South silver 1974 Cuenca Pekin President It was July 26th , . A young man from , called Jefferson Pérez , participated in the Atlanta Olympic Games in race walking . He got the medal in 20 kms and became the first and still the only to get a gold medal in the Olympic games . People in Ecuador were amazed with such an achievement and everybody celebrated . The former Sixto Durán - Ballén declared Jefferson Pérez a national hero . Twelve years later , he won the medal in the Olympic games of . He was also recognized around the world for being the world champion in race walking in 2003 , 2005 , and 2007 . He was born on July 1st , . He started his successful career in 1988 when he won his first championship in . By the time he won the Olympic gold medal , he had won about championships . He competed with the best athletes worldwide and showed that Ecuadorians can be on top . He worked hard and trained for years in order to bring glory to our country . Jefferson Pérez should always be remembered and appreciated , as well as all those who have made known around the world .