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Jorge González (Puerto Rican runner)

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For other people with the same name, see Jorge González (disambiguation).
In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is González and the second or maternal family name is Rivera.
Jorge González
Personal information
Full nameJorge Luis González Rivera
NicknamePeco
Born20 December 1952 (1952-12-20) (age 72)
Utuado, Puerto Rico
Medal record
Men's athletics
Representing  Puerto Rico
Pan American Games
Gold medal – first place 1983 Caracas Marathon
Bronze medal – third place 1987 Indianapolis Marathon
Central American and Caribbean Games
Gold medal – first place 1982 Havana Marathon
Gold medal – first place 1990 Mexico City Marathon

Jorge Luis "Peco" González Rivera (born 20 December 1952) is a former Puerto Rican Olympic runner. He achieved victory in numerous races and participated in various international events, including the Pan American Games and the Olympic Games. In 1982, he set the all-time record for the Ponce Marathon, a record that, as of 2023, remains unbroken.[1]

Biography

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González gained significant fame in Puerto Rico, where he is affectionately known as Peco (after Pecos Bill, the fastest cowboy to ever live). Despite high expectations at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, California, he did not secure any Olympic medals.

The peak of his popularity was during the 1980s, marked by national tours across Puerto Rico, autograph signings at department stores, and appearances in television commercials.

González, a native of Utuado, Puerto Rico, still resides there. The city hosts the Jorge "Peco" González Coliseum, named in his honor.

González's first marriage to Aida Luz Reyes resulted in his only daughter, Katherine González, who currently resides in the United States.

Athletics career

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At the 1983 Pan American Games in Caracas, Venezuela, he secured Puerto Rico's first Pan American athletics gold medal.[2]

Achievements

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Year Competition Venue Position Event Notes
Representing  Puerto Rico
1982 Central American and Caribbean Games Havana, Cuba 1st Marathon 2:26:40
1983 Pan American Games Caracas, Venezuela 1st Marathon 2:12:43 (NR)
1984 Olympic Games Los Angeles, United States 13th Marathon 2:14:00
Montreal International Marathon Montréal, Canada 1st Marathon 2:12:48
Honolulu Marathon Honolulu, United States 1st Marathon 2:16:25
1986 Central American and Caribbean Games Santiago, Dominican Republic – Marathon DNF
1987 Pan American Games Indianapolis, United States 3rd Marathon 2:21:14
1990 Montreal International Marathon Montréal, Canada 1st Marathon 2:16:18
Central American and Caribbean Games Mexico City, Mexico 1st Marathon 2:18:55
1992 Pittsburgh Marathon Pittsburgh, United States 1st Marathon 2:17:33
Olympic Games Barcelona, Spain — Marathon DNF

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Favoritos del Maratón La Guadalupe. Junior Lugo Marrero. La Perla del Sur. Ponce, Puerto Rico. Year 29. Issue. 7 December 2011. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  2. ^ Caracas vio a Peco González robarse el show
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