Commotion in Ecuador for the murder of the sprinter Álex Quiñónez in Guayaquil

(CNN Spanish) – The 32-year-old athlete Álex Quiñónez, considered the best sprinter in the history of Ecuadorian sports, was killed by a bullet impact this Friday night in the coastal city of Guayaquil, as confirmed by the Ministry of Sports and the National Police.

“Today we lost a great athlete, a person who made us dream, who made us emotional. With deep pain we confirm that our athlete Álex Quiñónez was murdered in Guayaquil. Father, husband, son and the best sprinter in the history of our country We express our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fellow athletes, “the Ministry of Sports wrote in a statement.

The National Police reported that it activated special teams to capture those allegedly responsible for this “violent death.” At the same crime scene, another man was murdered but his relationship with Quiñónez has not yet been confirmed.

While the Ecuadorian Olympic Committee pointed out that the death of Quiñónez “breaks the soul” and released a note of regret for his murder.

This Saturday the president of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso, lamented in his twitter account death of the athlete: “We are very sorry for the painful loss of Álex Quiñónez, father, son, a great sprinter who marked the sport. Our most sincere condolences to his loved ones. May he rest in peace. Those who take the lives of Ecuadorians will not remain Unpunished. We will act forcefully. “

Credit: MUSTAFA ABUMUNES / AFP via Getty Images

The Guayas Sports Federation added to the condolences. “Álex Quiñónez defended and exalted the colors of our flag thanks to his talent. Our thoughts, prayers and wishes of peace to his relatives during this time of darkness and pain. Álex Quiñonez, the seventh fastest man on the planet in London 2012. Unmatched “FedeGuayas wrote on his Twitter account.

The murder of sprinter Álex Quiñónez occurs just a few days after President Guillermo Lasso decreed the state of exception throughout the country, due to the escalation of insecurity and violent deaths in different cities of the country and with a greater number of cases in Guayaquil .

The public showed their consternation on social networks, as well as athletes, authorities, sports federations and officials who claim to feel moved and shocked by the murder of Álex Quiñónez. The displays of solidarity and affection for Quiñónez and his family continue.

Among his achievements, Álex Quiñónez managed to reach the final of the 200 meter dash at the London Olympic Games in 2012 and was crowned the champion in different world championships and athletics tournaments.

Despite having confirmed his participation in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games held in 2021, a few days before the Court of Arbitration for Sport denied his request for a precautionary measure for the suspension imposed by World Athletics due to three decisions to locate the athlete who did not He had updated his location information to respond to the doping control call.

The Police and other authorities have been working since Friday night to find evidence and try to capture those involved in this crime.