NEW!!!!! Jefferson Pérez, the best in the estimation of everyone, a unanimous proclamation by the Ecuadorian press. 
ECUADOR, 24/02/2005. Those were the headlines of the most important newspapers with respect to the election of the best Ecuadorian sportsman of 2004.
Vistazo Magazine
In its annual roundup for 2004 it said, "An icon of national sport in every way, once again Jefferson Pérez Quezada has become the most gratifying news item of the year. Demonstrating his will and ability, our all-time best sportsman and winner of the only Olympic medal in Ecuador's history, once again made the headlines upon placing fourth in the Olympiad held in Greece in the 20-kilometer walk event, in which physical fatigue and a stomach ailment kept him from winning a medal, having been in second place with only seven kilometers to go. His heroism reached its zenith when upon feeling himself in debt and wanting to fulfill his obligation to his country, he took part in an event that was not his specialty and overcame his physical failings. Nevertheless, he competed in the 50K race walk event, in which he finished 12th, in spite of feeling faint from fatigue brought on by vomiting from the middle of the race on. But dropping out was not on his mind and he finished, teaching a lesson of bravery and courage.
El Comercio Newspaper
The Friday, December 31st edition, stated, "Unquestionably, his international participation was the most outstanding for Ecuador. This is the argument for El Comercio Newspaper to elect the race walker from Azuay as the top personality of the year. At the Olympic Games of Atlanta, Jefferson Pérez Quezada had the best performance of the Ecuadorian sportmen. In the greatest sports event in the world he was fourth in the 20K walk and twelfth in the 50K walk, In addition, Pérez won the gold medal in the World Cup of Race Walking in Germany the 2nd of May. Moreover, he led the Ecuadorian team to an historic team Vice Championship in this tournament. The 19th of March he won the 20K at the Race Walking Grand Prize at Tijuana, México, out-performing Robert Korseniowski (Olympic 50K champion) and the Italian, Ivano Brugnetti (current Olympic 20K champion). These achievements permitted Jefferson Pérez to show that he continues to be one of the greatest performers of Ecuadorian sport.
El Mercurio
At the beginning of 2005 it headlined: "The season was outstanding, Jefferson’s achievement was the greatest. Unanimously considered the best sportsman in 2004, Jefferson Perez, Cuenca's race walker, returns to training tomorrow after overcoming a sprain in his left ankle which occurred two weeks ago. The injury required Pérez to rest completely and to engage in two daily sessions of physical therapy and parallel activities such as swimming in order to recuperate. Meanwhile he attended several events where he was feted as the outstanding athlete of 2004."
Expresso and Extra Newspapers
Their headlines read, "Jeff" receives his fourth Granasa Cup. An authentic record. Beginning in November, Expresso newspaper placed an icon in a special spot on its web page for fans to vote for the best sportsman of 2004. After the votes were counted, Jefferson Pérez Quezada had been elected the best sportman for the fourth time (2000, 2003, 2003, 2004) with his race walking world championship at the competition held in Germany along with the Vice Championship for Ecuador's race walking team. In addition, he achieved a meritorious fourth place in the 20K and 12th in the 50K at the Olympic Games at Athens, Greece. This will be the fourth time that Jefferson receives the Granasa trophy, a traditional prize awarded to the best sportsman of each year since 1999.
Information courtesy of:
El Mercurio Newspaper
Expreso Newspaper
Comercio Newspaper Vistazo Magazine
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