Bernardo Pie stars in a noble gesture of gratitude towards his first coach in Monte Plata
Taekwondo athlete Bernardo Pie, a prominent medalist at the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, gave a lesson in humility and gratitude in his home province. During an awards ceremony for athletes and coaches from Monte Plata, the athlete decided to give the entire RD$50,000 prize he received to his first trainer, master Héctor Rodríguez, popularly known as “La Culebra”.
The event, which sought to highlight local talent, had the support of key figures in sports and public administration, such as Isaac Ogando, president of the Bayaguana Sports Union, Governor Rafaela Javier Gomera, the director of the Airport Department, Víctor Pichardo, and the Cooperativa El Progreso.
Perhaps the master did not have the opportunity to sit by my side during my competition at the JCCSD 2026, but he did something much more important: he was by my side when everything was just beginning.
Bernardo Pie, taekwondo athlete.
A recognition of values formation
For Bernardo Pie, this financial incentive did not belong to him alone, but to the person who laid the foundations of his successful sports career. According to the athlete, Héctor Rodríguez not only taught him combat techniques, but was fundamental in transmitting essential values such as discipline, perseverance, respect, and the martial principles that define his personality and professional performance today.
- The gesture highlights the importance of mentors in the development of athletes.
- Pie acknowledges that current success is the result of years of grassroots training.
- The Monte Plata sports community has praised this display of nobility by the medalist.
The athlete emphasized that, long before reaching the great international stages and winning medals, Rodríguez was there working with dedication to turn him into a sports reference in Bayaguana. With this action, Pie reaffirms that each of his triumphs implicitly carries the mark of the teachings received in his beginnings, consolidating a bond of mutual respect that transcends time and competitive results.
