Dominican taekwondo athlete who won multiple international medals, including a silver at the 2007 Pan American Games. Known for being one of the most successful athletes in the Dominican Republic's taekwondo history.
Luisito Pi, also known as Luis Pie, is a Haitian-Dominican taekwondo athlete who made history by winning the bronze medal in the 2016 Summer Olympics in the 58 kg category. This remarkable achievement catapulted him to international recognition, solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of taekwondo.
Born on March 4, 1986, in Bayaguana, Monte Plata, Dominican Republic, Pi's story is one of resilience and determination. His parents, Jos Beltrn, a Haitian, and Marisol Pi Desquile, who was born in the Dominican Republic to Haitian parents, instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance. Despite his father's absence, Pi was raised by his Dominican stepfather, Euclides Reyes, and his mother, who played a significant role in shaping his early life.
It wasn't until Pi joined the Centro de Iniciacin Deportiva Escolar (CIDE) led by Isaac Ogando that his potential in taekwondo began to unfold. Initially, he practiced track and field under coach Francisca Tiburcio but later switched to taekwondo with coach Hctor Rodrguez. This pivotal decision paved the way for his future successes.
Following his gold medal win in the 2014 Central American and Caribbean Games, Pi's Haitian origin sparked a national debate. His mother, Marisol Pie Desquile, proudly expressed her excitement for her son's victory, speaking with a distinct Haitian accent. This sparked discussions about Pi's nationality, highlighting the complex identity of Dominicans of Haitian descent.
Apart from his impressive athletic achievements, Pi is a dedicated student and member of the Dominican Navy, holding the lowest rank since 2011. He has attended two universities, Instituto Superior de Formacin Docente Salom Urea and Universidad Nacional Evanglica, pursuing a degree in Physical Education.
Luisito Pi's remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and individuals from diverse backgrounds. His perseverance and determination have left an indelible mark on the world of taekwondo, cementing his place as a trailblazer for future generations.
As a cultural icon, Pi's story transcends the realm of sports, embodying the spirit of resilience, hard work, and determination that defines the human experience.
47 Years Old
A right-handed pitcher who played for several MLB teams, including the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox, earning an All-Star selection and winning a World Series ring.
