BTN News: The Dominican Republic’s Olympic heroes received a warm but chaotic welcome as they returned home yesterday, touching down at the Las Américas International Airport. The lack of adequate security arrangements quickly turned the scene into a frenzy, as hundreds of enthusiastic supporters eagerly awaited the arrival of their national champions. The airport, which was filled with the vibrant sounds of merengue and perico ripiao, soon became a hub of excitement and confusion as the crowd surged forward to greet the athletes. The return of these celebrated athletes, particularly gold medalist Marileidy Paulino, highlighted the overwhelming pride of the Dominican people in their sports stars, yet it also underscored the need for better organization during such significant events.
Upon their arrival, the three athletes were greeted in the VIP section of the airport by Vice President Raquel Peña and Vice Minister of Sports, Franklin De la Mota. However, the situation quickly escalated into chaos once the athletes left the confines of the reception hall. Marileidy Paulino, the first to exit, was instantly surrounded by throngs of eager fans, which forced the cancellation of the planned press conference. The Olympic champion had to be swiftly escorted to a waiting vehicle to protect her from the pressing crowd. Despite the disarray, Paulino managed to express her happiness briefly before being whisked away, remarking, “I’m very happy about everything.”
The Dominican Ministry of Sports and the Vice President’s office were responsible for organizing the reception. Still, the sheer volume of people who turned up to welcome the athletes made it difficult to maintain order. Following Paulino’s hasty departure, fellow medalists Cristian Pinales and Yunior Alcántara also faced challenges navigating through the mass of supporters but managed to make their way to their transport vehicles with minimal delay.
Marileidy Paulino’s triumph at the Olympics is a historic moment for the Dominican Republic. She set a new Olympic record with a time of 48.15 seconds, shattering the previous mark set by Marie-José Pérec in 1996. Her incredible achievement not only brought glory to the nation but also inspired a sense of pride and hope among Dominicans, particularly the younger generation. The celebrations that greeted her at the airport were a testament to the impact she has made on her country.
Boxer Cristian Pinales, who earned a bronze medal, shared his feelings about the warm reception, stating, “The welcome makes me feel proud, and I’m grateful to the country.” Likewise, Yunior Alcántara, another bronze medalist, expressed his joy at reconnecting with his homeland, describing the experience as a “dream come true.”
With Paulino’s gold and the bronze medals won by Pinales and Alcántara, the Dominican Republic secured the 59th spot in the Olympic medal table. This achievement was celebrated not only by the athletes themselves but also by the government and sports officials who were present at the airport to honor their accomplishments.
Before the athletes emerged to face the public, Vice President Raquel Peña took a moment to personally congratulate them, expressing the nation’s pride and happiness. “We are very proud, we are very happy. They serve as motivation for all Dominican youth to know that it is possible,” Peña stated, highlighting the significance of their victories for the country’s future athletes.
Also in attendance at the airport were Franklin de la Mota, Vice Minister of Sports, Garibaldy Bautista, President of the Dominican Olympic Committee, and other prominent figures from the sports world, all eager to celebrate the athletes’ return.
Looking ahead, the government has promised monetary rewards for the athletes, with Sports Minister Francisco Camacho announcing from Paris that the cash prizes would be disbursed this week. Marileidy Paulino will receive 15 million pesos for her gold medal, while Pinales and Alcántara will each be awarded 8 million pesos for their bronze medals. Camacho assured the public that the government is fulfilling its promises, with the athletes expected to see the funds in their accounts shortly. The official announcement regarding these prizes will be made in the coming days, further cementing the nation’s appreciation for its Olympic stars.
The Dominican Republic’s Olympic journey this year has not only been marked by the athletes’ remarkable achievements but also by the overwhelming support and pride of their fellow citizens. The chaotic yet jubilant scenes at Las Américas International Airport reflect a country united in celebration, eager to honor those who have brought them glory on the world stage.
