António Leitão

Bronze medal

The highest moment of the Club athletes’ participation in the Los Angeles Olympic Games was achieved in the 5000m event by António Leitão.

Despite having arrived at the Olympic Games recovering from an injury, the athlete performed at a great level. He won the first heat, and, on the following day, he handled the semi-finals by managing the physical effort finishing in 2nd place, which guaranteed him direct access to the final. António Leitão was confident with the qualification, but he did not want to get too excited or promise medals.

António Leitão displays his bronze medal won in Los Angeles

António Leitão’s bronze medal won at the Los Angeles Olympic Games 11 August 1984
Conceição Leitão personal collection

Not only the final was very competitive and disputed at high speed, but there was also a new Olympic record achieved by the winner, Moroccan Said Aouita. António Leitão won the bronze medal, only two seconds behind the 2nd place. He concluded angrily: “Am I happy? I am not happy, no, sir, I wanted the gold, I think I had the right to win”.

Medalha de Honra concedida pelo Sport Lisboa e Benfica a António Leitão pela conquista da medalha de bronze nos Jogos Olímpicos de Los Angeles

Medal of Honour awarded by Sport Lisboa e Benfica to António Leitão for his bronze medal at the Los Angeles Olympic Games 24 May 1985
Sport Lisboa e Benfica collection

Other Highlights

Participation of Benfica Athletes in the Olympic Games

Olympic Football - First participation of Benfica athletes in the Olympic Games
1928

Manuel Dias - A marathon with obstacles
1936

Luís Howorth - Benfica’s first and only participation in shooting
1952

Athletes quartet - Casimiro, Eleutério, Matos Fernandes, and Paquete
1952

Alexandre Yokochi - Expectations exceeded in swimming debut
1984