The Algarve's João Vieira has just finished in 5th place in the Olympic Games of 50 kilometers of athletic march, held in Sapporo (Japan). Despite not getting any medals, the athlete earned an Olympic diploma.
João Vieira, born in Portimão 45 years ago, was in the fight for the medals until near the end, but an attack by Marc Tur (Spain) and Jonathan Hilbert (Germany) left the Algarve outside the top three.
This was, even so, one of the best races ever for João Vieira, who is the current world vice-champion.
The gold medal was won by Polish Dawid Tomala who was almost always in the lead. The athlete completed the 50 kilometers in 3 hours, 50 minutes and 8 seconds.
In second place was Hilbert (Germany) and Canadian Dunfee closed the podium, overtaking Tur in the last meters.
João Vieira finished the race, disputed in difficult conditions, in 3 hours, 51 minutes and 28 seconds.
Born in Portimão, João Vieira moved to Rio Maior when he was just two years old. Athlete for many years at the Rio Maior Swimming Club, he is currently a walker at Sporting.
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