For months now, Felix Sanchez, the Dominican standard bearer in world-class athletics, has been suffering from a series of debilitating injuries to his feet and legs. Yesterday, as he tried to defend his two-time world championship in the 400 meter hurdles, Sanchez fell down after the first hurdle. Heart broken, he limped off the track. International news agencies praised Sanchez (known as “Super Sanchez”) for his courage, pride and sacrifice in his attempt to do something nobody has ever achieved in that event: to become a three-time champion. The injury to his left thigh and calf came during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens Greece where he won the DR’s first gold medal ever in his specialty event. Since then, Sanchez has been pretty much plagued by injuries. However, Sports Minister Jay Payano told Diario Libre that the ministry would continue to support Sanchez. According to reports the runner will have his leg operated on this coming month.