Spanish athletics is in mourning after the tragic news of the death of walker Iván Pajuelo, who was 31 years old. After being held incommunicado for two days, the athlete was found dead at his home, as reported by the magazine. corridor, although at the moment the circumstances surrounding his death are unknown.
Pajuelo, one of the great figures of walking in Spain, was international on numerous occasions, competing in the 50 km walk at the 2017 World Cup in London, an event that did not end. Although he did do it and was crowned in that distance at the Spanish National Championships in 2020, . His last competition was the 5,000 meter walk of the Spanish Championship of Autonomous Federations, at the Camilo Cano Olympic Stadium in La Nucía, on July 6, 2024. “Walking through life, we will encounter obstacles, weeds and stones that will make them fall. It is so easy to give up that it is not worth it, and fighting for those dreams is what at least makes me get up every day after my falls,” Pajuelo wrote on December 5 on Instagram.
After learning the unfortunate news, Spanish athletics expressed its pain and shock through social networks. “Very sad, rest in peace Iván Pajuelo,” wrote José Antonio Quintana, one of the country’s great marching coaches, while accompanying the review with a photo together. “An irreparable loss that I still can’t believe. Iván Pajuelo, a great walker athlete, only 31 years old, but, above all, an exceptional human being, dies. I was fortunate to meet him and live with him for several years at the Blume residence, sharing moments that I will always remember. Life has taken him too soon, and sometimes it is difficult to understand the reason for all this. Rest in peace, Iván”, great long distance and middle distance runner. “There have been many anecdotes, training sessions and competitions shared. We will always remember you. Rest in peace friend,” said Alberto Amezcua, another member of the Spanish marching team.
Condolences have also come from the world of politics with the message from the president of Extremadura María Guardiola. “My condolences to the family and friends of the Extremaduran athlete Iván Pajuelo at this very difficult time. I am deeply sorry for your loss. We will always remember his passion for sports. Rest in peace.”
