Portugal’s parliament has unanimously honored top national athletes, including world champions Isaac Nader and Pedro Pichardo, for their international achievements, emphasizing the collective effort behind individual success.
Isaac Nader, a 1500-meter runner, and triple jump world champion Pedro Pichardo both received votes of salutation from the Portuguese Assembly of the Republic. Nader expressed deep honor for the recognition.
Speaking after receiving the tribute, Nader described it as a “salutation to all our work, to many years of dedication.”
José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, president of the Assembly of the Republic, praised the athletes as examples. He underscored that “victories, even when individual, have a lot of team behind them,” highlighting the role of collective work.
Nader attended the ceremony alongside officials from the Portuguese Athletics Federation (FPA), including its president, Domingos Castro. Pichardo, who did not attend, was represented by Castro.
The parliamentary session also extended recognition to several Paralympic medalists: Carolina Duarte, who won gold in the 400 meters (T13 class); Miguel Monteiro, silver medalist in shot put (F40 class); and Mamudo Baldé, who secured bronze in the 100 meters (T54 class). They were accompanied by their coaches and families.
A separate vote of salutation is set to be proposed in parliament later this week. This motion will specifically commend Portugal’s participation in the Paralympic World Athletics Championships, where the nation secured four medals, including a bronze for Sandro Baessa in the 1500 meters (T20 class).
Nader, who described his current period as the “best year of his career” with several national records broken, also shared his future aspirations. He aims to compete in upcoming international competitions, defend his world champion title in 2027, and ultimately compete in the Olympic Games.