Tokyo is calling, and Portugal is answering with a formidable squad. The Portuguese Athletics Federation announced its 32-athlete roster this Monday, ready to take on the World Championships. This team brings a fantastic mix of seasoned pros and exciting new talent. Everyone expected to go is on the list, from those who met the qualifying marks to athletes ranked high enough.
A couple of late additions stirred up some buzz. Mariana Machado earned a spot in the 5,000 meters, a welcome surprise for many. Young Pedro Afonso also made the cut, joining the men’s 4×400 meter relay team. He’s definitely one to watch for the future.
The star power runs deep. Pedro Pichardo, our Olympic vice-champion, will be there to light up the triple jump pit. Isaac Nader is another key name, one of three Portuguese runners tackling the intense 1,500 meters. History will also be made by João Vieira, who is set to compete in his 14th World Championships. He’ll be powering through the 35-kilometer race walk, a true ironman of the sport. The 4×400 meter relay team looks strong with Pedro Afonso, João Coelho, Ericsson Tavares, Omar Elkhatib, and Ricardo dos Santos all set to run.
On the women’s side, there are strong medal hopes. Auriol Dongmo and Liliana Cá are heading to Tokyo, both serious contenders in their throwing events. Also making waves is Fatoumata Diallo. She recently smashed the national record in the 400-meter hurdles, showing incredible form.
The World Championships will kick off on September 13 and run until September 21. It promises to be a thrilling nine days of competition. Here’s a look at the full lineup:
Men’s Team
- Emanuel Sousa (Discus Throw)
- Ericsson Tavares (4×400 meters)
- Etson Barros (3000 meters Steeplechase)
- Gerson Baldé (Long Jump)
- Isaac Nader (1500 meters)
- João Coelho (4×400 meters)
- João Vieira (35km Race Walk)
- José Carlos Pinto (1500 meters)
- Leandro Ramos (Javelin Throw)
- Nuno Pereira (1500 meters)
- Omar Elkhatib (4×400 meters)
- Pedro Afonso (4×400 meters)
- Pedro Pablo Pichardo (Triple Jump)
- Ricardo dos Santos (4×400 meters)
- Rui Pinto (Marathon)
- Tiago Luis Pereira (Triple Jump)
- Tsanko Arnaudov (Shot Put)
Women’s Team
- Agate Sousa (Long Jump)
- Auriol Dongmo (Shot Put)
- Eliana Bandeira (Shot Put)
- Fatoumata Diallo (400 meters Hurdles)
- Irina Rodrigues (Discus Throw)
- Joana Pontes (35km Race Walk)
- Jéssica Inchude (Shot Put)
- Liliana Cá (Discus Throw)
- Lorene Bazolo (100 meters and 200 meters)
- Mariana Machado (5000 meters)
- Salomé Afonso (1500 meters)
- Salomé Rocha (Marathon)
- Solange Jesus (Marathon)
- Susana Godinho Santos (Marathon)
- Vitória Oliveira (20km Race Walk)