The 25-year-old has booked his place at this year's rearranged Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the under-68 kilograms division after coming through March's Pan American Qualification Tournament in Costa Rica.

His award was part of National Youth Day celebrations in the Dominican Republic.

Pié won silver at 68kg at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima and also earned his crust with gold at the Barranquilla 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games.

He took up taekwondo after following in the footsteps of his older brother Luisito, who won an Olympic bronze medal at 58kg at Rio 2016.

Bernardo has explained how he used to spend his time on the streets before finding his path through taekwondo.

Moisés Hernández and Katherine Rodríguez also booked Tokyo 2020 places for Dominican Republic at the event in Costa Rica, which survived the emerging coronavirus pandemic by going ahead.

"The experience in Costa Rica was traumatic, because before arriving in Central America, we were in Europe and there was a lot of misinformation," said Pié to ESPN.

"They were about to suspend the qualifying event because that country was proceeding to close all its borders. 

"It was a stroke of luck that we were able to arrive and in the end the event could be held behind closed doors."

Pié added that he was not expecting his award, which Luisito has also previously won.

He remains focused on Tokyo 2020 despite doubts about the Games going ahead due to COVID-19.

"We must stay in shape, both physically and mentally," he said. 

"We ignore the rumours as to whether or not the Games go [ahead].

"All of us are preparing and we will be ready for whatever it takes.

"I was not expecting the award. 

"There were many colleagues from other disciplines who also deserved it.

"My mother and my brother are very proud of me and I thank God for that."