Santo Domingo.- On his arrival in the country last night, double Olympic 400 meters hurdles champion Felix Sánchez declared that he had accomplished a great mission, after an eight-year wait, a second gold medal for the Dominican people.

Punctuated with emotion, addressing a crowd of thousands at Las Américas Airport, Félix “Super” Sánchez thanked the Dominican people for their constant support, which he said was what had motivated him to achieve this great triumph at the Olympic Games.

Silver medalist in the 400 meters race, Luguelín Santos, stated that he had achieved his mission of giving the country an Olympic medal.

“I feel more than proud, facing this great audience that has come to this terminal, and giving us this great welcome for the achievement we have obtained,” he said.

Sánchez and Luguelín arrived with the rest of the Dominican Olympic team, including volleyball players, boxers and gymnast Yamilet Peña.

The heroes were welcomed by a delegation made up of Sports Minister Felipe Payano, Olympic Committee president Luisín Mejía and secretary general Antonio Acosta, and other officials.

Welcoming the athletes, Payano said that the government headed by president Leonel Fernández was satisfied with the support it had provided to sports and the results obtained. “Today is a historic day for the Dominican Republic”, said the official.

Today the medalists go to the National Palace for a reception with president Leonel Fernández who will award them the promised incentives of RD$10 million for the gold medal winner and RD$6 million for the silver, as well as other rewards for their trainers.