Jasmine Camacho-Quinn and Sebastián Rivera to Lead Puerto Rico in Paris Olympics 

    Credit: Left to right: jenaragon94 - Flickr, Instagram: sebastiannriveraa

    As the anticipation for the Paris 2024 Olympics builds, Puerto Rico proudly introduced its flag bearers: hurdler Jasmine Camacho-Quinn and wrestler Sebastián Rivera. The announcement took place yesterday at the Casa Olímpica del Comité Olímpico de Puerto Rico in Old San Juan, drawing a crowd that included former flag bearers and Olympic medalists. Both athletes expressed their determination to bring home Puerto Rico’s third and fourth Olympic gold medals. 

    Due to their training schedules abroad, Camacho-Quinn and Rivera couldn’t be there in person but shared their feelings digitally. However, it was confirmed that they will lead Puerto Rico’s team during the opening ceremony on July 26. This year’s ceremony will also be unique as it takes place on barges on the Seine River with the Eiffel Tower in the background. 

    Jasmine Camacho-Quinn and Sebastián Rivera Are Ready for the Olympics in Paris

    Camacho-Quinn is very excited about carrying the “Monoestrellada.” “Honestly, I am excited,” Primera Hora reported. “It’s something big. I didn’t see it coming, and it means a lot to be the one to carry the flag. I am grateful, as is my family, who are super proud. I can’t wait for it to happen.” She will defend her title in the 100-meter hurdles, which she won at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in 2021. 

    After her success in Tokyo, Camacho-Quinn has won more medals, including two at the World Championships, one in the Diamond League, and a gold at the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador 2023. Paris will be her third Olympic appearance. “I am focused on defending my championship and bringing back another gold medal,” she said. 

    Rivera, who is the world runner-up in the 65-kilogram category and ranked fourth globally, will be making his Olympic debut. He has won many medals, including golds at the Pan American Championships and the Central American and Caribbean Games San Salvador 2023. Rivera always dreamed of being a flag bearer. “Yes, I dreamed it,” he said. “I had to be patient and bring results first. I thought with results, I could achieve it. So I am grateful they chose me.” 

    Like Camacho-Quinn, Rivera wants to win gold in Paris 2024. “I want to bring that medal. I want it all,” he said. 

    The Support Was Felt

    The presentation was attended by past flag bearers such as former basketball player José ‘Toñín’ Casillas (Rome 1960), ex-baseball player Jesús ‘Motora’ Feliciano (Seoul 1988), former judoka Luis Martínez (Barcelona 1992), and sailor Enrique ‘Quique’ Figueroa (Sydney 2000). Past medalists including boxers Arístides González (Los Angeles 1984) and Daniel Santos (Atlanta 1996) were also there. 

    Athletes already qualified for Paris 2024, such as basketball players Allison Gibson and Jackie Benítez, and wrestler Jonovan Smith, were present too. 

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