Finished 2nd at 2019 South American Marathon Ch. In other events - placed 77th in half marathon at 2020 World Half Marathon Ch. His main motivation for competing is earning money for his family. 'The financial situation of my family depends on how I am doing in races. If I can't get a profit, I won't go - I'd rather stay at home and do some bricklaying.'
Finished 3rd at 2019 South American Marathon Ch. Placed 30th in 2020 Valencia Marathon. Placed 17th in 2019 Rotterdam Marathon. Heroes are Argentinian footballers Diego MARADONA and Lionel MESSI. Every time he crosses the finish line he dedicates the race to his father, who died when Eulalio was 17. 'Every time I ran he used to wait for me with an asado [barbecue] as a reward.'
Finished 31st at 2016 OG. Silver at 2019 Oceania Ch. Finished 13th at 2020 Lake Biwa, 5th at 2019 Gold Coast, 9th at 2017 Berlin. Finished 5th at 2018 CWG, 7th in 2014. Works as a full-time electrician in Melbourne. Took up marathon running because he was told he was too slow for any other distance. 'I don't know if you'd take that as an insult but I eventually bought into the idea.'
Finished 22nd at 2019 New York Marathon. Placed 13th at 2019 London Marathon. In other events - silver in 10,000m at 2019 Oceania Ch. Silver in 3000m at 2015 NCh. Won 3000m at Kingston in 2017 World Challenge. In 2019, he was part of the pacemaking team when Eliud KIPCHOGE (KEN) ran the first sub two-hour marathon in Vienna, Austria.
Finished 23rd at 2019 New York Marathon. Placed 12th at 2019 London Marathon. In other events - 2nd in 5000m at 2016 NCh, 2nd in 3000m steeplechase at 2011 NCh. Won 5000m at 2016 and 2015 Melbourne Track Classic. In 2019, he was in the pacemaking team when Kenyan athlete Eliud KIPCHOGE (KEN) ran the first sub-two hour marathon in Vienna.
Finished 10th at 2018 European Ch. 12th at 2020 London Marathon. 12th at Berlin in 2019, 27th in 2017. 10th at 2018 Vienna Marathon. In other events - bronze in team marathon at 2018 European Ch. He first accompanied a friend running the Munich Marathon in Germany. 'Everything hurt, but running through the city and feeling the emotions of the other runners and the audience was really fun.'
Finished 41st at 2019 WCh. Placed 8th at 2018 European Ch. In other events - bronze in team marathon at 2018 European Ch. He suffered a pubic bone stress fracture during the marathon at the 2019 WCh in Doha, Qatar, but was still able to finish the race. 'As a child, when I saw that I was faster than the others and I saw planes in the sky, I really wanted to be an international runner.'
Did not finish at 2019 WCh. In other events - finished 34th in 5000m at 2016 OG, 29th in 2012. Finished 27th in 10,000m at 2016 OG. Finished 2nd in 3000m at Meeting de Atletismo Madrid in 2016. Finished 10th in 10,000m at 2015 African Games, DNS in 5000m. He is coached by Adrien Sabukiza. His club is US Quercia Trentingrana in Rovereto, Italy, where he lives.
Silver at 2020 Tokyo Marathon. In 2019 season - 5th at Chicago Marathon, 7th in London. Placed 8th at 2018 Rotterdam Marathon. In other events - silver in 10,000m at 2018 European Ch. Born in Somalia but separated from mother for over a year before family joined her in Belgium. 'The reunion was very emotional. I will never forget how we got to Zaventem. We were crying. Everything was new to me.'
Making OG debut. Finished 12th at 2021 Enschede Marathon. In other events - bronze in 10,000m at 2015 Junior European Ch. He made his marathon debut in April 2021 in Enschede, Netherlands, running a time of 2:10:22 to meet the qualifying standard for the 2020 Olympic Games. He had competed in his first half marathon one month earlier. 'It was a dream debut.'
Finished 22nd at 2016 OG. Gold at 2018 European Ch. Finished 7th at 2019 Rotterdam Marathon, 10th in 2017. Placed 8th in 2017 New York Marathon. Placed 7th at 2015 Berlin Marathon. His wife Elise always writes messages of encouragement on his water bottles. During the 2019 Rotterdam Marathon, he read a message from his son which his wife had written, saying 'Come on, daddy, you can do it!'.
Finished 14th at 2019 London Marathon. In other events - DNF in 2013, 2009 at World Cross Country Ch. DNF in 10,000m at 2013 South American Ch or in 10,000m at 2015 PanAm Games. Finished 16th at Junior World Ch in 2006. Took up running because he did not have enough money for public transport. Missing 2016 OG hit him hard and he contemplated suicide in 2018. He was later diagnosed as bipolar.
Finished 15th at 2016 OG, 8th in 2012. Placed 19th at 2019 WCh, 7th in 2013. His twin brother Luis Fernando raced at 2012 World Half Marathon Championships in Kavarna, Bulgaria. 'My brother [Luis Fernando] and I heard some fireworks in our city and we found there would be a race there. We entered the 15km race, ran barefoot, and won. He took first, I took second. From there, we did not stop.'
First-time Olympian. In other events - finished 93rd in half marathon at 2020 World Half Marathon Ch, 18th in team event. Placed 29th in cross country long distance at 2017 World Cross Country Ch, 41st in 2015. Gold in 10,000m at 2021 South American Ch. Finished 3rd in 3000m at 2016 Grand Prix Brasil de Atletismo - World Challenge.
DNF at 2016 OG. Finished 6th at 2018 Madrid Marathon. In other events - gold in 10,000m at 2013 Asian Ch. Placed 25th at 2014 World Half Marathon Ch. Silver in 5000m at 2013 Asian Ch. Skipped school to train and his father, who never approved of his love for running, kicked him out of their home. Switched from Ethiopia to Bahrain in early 2009.
Finished 15th in marathon at 2017 WCh, 5th in 2015. Placed 4th at 2015 Tokyo Marathon, 6th at 2014 Dubai, 2nd at 2013 Seoul, 13th at 2012 Amsterdam. He switched from Ethiopia to Bahrain in early 2014. He honed his talent early by running 20km daily between his school and home.
Finished 7th at 2019 WCh. Placed 6th at 2020 Tokyo Marathon, 2nd at 2019 Shanghai, 2nd at 2018 Valencia, 2nd at 2018 Asian Games, 2nd at 2017 Lisboa. In other events - 26th in 10,000m at 2016 OG. Bronze in team at 2018 World Half Marathon Ch. Bronze in team at 2015 World Cross Country Ch. Won 10,000m at 2015 Asian Ch. Gold in 10,000m at 2014 Asian Games. Previously represented Morocco.
Finished 7th at 2019 Toronto Marathon, 9th in 2017. In other events - 12th in team long distance event at 2017 World Cross Country Ch. 'Running is like meditating. It's like having a break from a busy day. There's often a lot going on and I have a big social network that I'm involved with. So when someone asks to run with me, I usually politely turn them down. I really like my alone time.'
Finished 4th at 2018 Tokyo Marathon. In other events - finished 14th in 5000m at 2012 OG, 11th in 10,000m. In 2015, he developed an osteophyte [bone spur] and bone chips in his foot that had to be shaved and removed. The surgery led to him missing the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
First-time Olympian. In other events - finished 77th in individual long distance at 2019 World Cross Country Ch, 16th in team event. Finished 4th in 3000m steeplechase at 2016 NCh. Placed 11th in 3000m steeplechase at 2014 Junior WCh. He initially played hockey before switching to running. 'I loved playing hockey and my life revolved around the sport for a very long time.'
Finished 29th at 2016 OG, 54th in 2012. Placed 13th at 2011 WCh. In 2019 season - 4th at Guangzhou Marathon, 7th at Berlin, 10th at Xiamen Marathon. Finished 7th at 2018 Asian Games. His wife YANG Youcan (CHN) is also an athlete and he was hooked on athletics from a young age. He is a big fan of Kenyan Eliud KIPCHOGE (KEN), the first to post a sub two-hour marathon time. Goal is top-8 finish.
Finished 6th at 2019 Guangzhou Marathon. In other events - 7th in 10,000m at 2019 Asian Ch. Finished 17th in 5000m at Shanghai in 2019 Diamond League. He began professional training in triathlon with the Jiangxi provincial team in 2014 due to his running talent. He then switched to long-distance running in 2015.
Finished 20th at 2019 WCh. Placed 7th at 2017 Asian Marathon Ch. Finished 8th at 2019 Beijing Marathon, 9th in 2014. He showed a talent for running as a child. He did not do well in his studies, so his Physical Education trainer recommended that he should train for running. At the age of 18, he was scouted by a coach and embarked on his sporting career.
Finished 37th at 2020 Valencia Marathon. In other events - gold in 10,000m at 2018 South American Games. Bronze in 5000m at 2017 South American Ch, 5th in 2019. Finished 7th in 10,000m and 12th in 5000m at 2019 PanAm Games. His brother Mauricio has represented Colombia in athletics and won silver medals in the 10,000m at the 2019 and 2015 South American Ch.
Finished 14th at 2021 Enschede Marathon. DNF at 2019 PanAm Games. Placed 15th at 2018 Rotterdam Marathon. He played football as a child before he was encouraged to take up athletics by coach Luis Gabriel VILLEGAS, with the prospect of having opportunities to get scholarships. 'It was not something I really liked at the time but I did it as a way to help my parents.'
Finished 31st at 2019 WCh. 40th at 2020 Valencia Marathon. Missed qualification time for the 5000m for 2016 OG, and in 2018 he decided to switch focus from the track to marathon. 'I tried to get to the Olympics in 2016 in the 5000m but I missed out by 18 seconds. It does not sound like much, but it is a lot over that distance. So I switched to marathon, and it has been a terrific career change.'
Finished 35th at 2016 OG. Placed 13th at 2017 WCh. DNF at 2018 European Ch. Finished 7th at 2019 Fukuoka Marathon. In other events - bronze in 10,000m at 2013 U23 European Ch. In 2001, he moved from Somalia to Denmark with his aunt and her children and claimed refugee asylum in Skibby, Denmark. He obtained Danish citizenship in 2010. He runs up to 220km a week.
Olympic debut. In other events - 34th in 5000m at 2019 WCh. Placed 34th at 2021 European 10,000m Cup. Originally from Eritrea, he lives and trains in Israel having arrived there unaccompanied as a minor. Has been an International Olympic Committee [IOC] Refugee Athlete Support Programme scholarship holder since 2018. 'I want to show others that everything is possible and they shouldn't give up.'
Finished 7th at 2017 WCh. Placed 4th at Xiamen Marathon & Tuscany Camp Global Elite Race in 2021. Placed 24th at 2020 Valencia Marathon. Finished 6th in 2019 Berlin Marathon, 8th in 2016. Finished 10th at 2018 London Marathon. Placed 7th at 2017 Tokyo Marathon and at 2016 Prague Marathon.
Finished 3rd at 2021 Enschede Marathon. Placed 4th at Ljubljana Marathon in 2019, 9th in Prague Marathon. In other events - 24th in 10,000m at 2016 OG. Bronze in 3000m at 2009 Youth World Ch.
Finished 11th at 2020 Valencia Marathon. Placed 8th at 2019 Lisboa Marathon.
Finished 17th at 2017 WCh, 13th in 2015, 15th in 2013. Placed 4th at 2018, 2014 European Ch. Placed 10th in 2020 Sevilla Marathon, 4th in 2018. Finished 5th in 2019 Madrid Marathon. Placed 9th at 2016 Tokyo Marathon. In other events - silver in team marathon at 2018 European Ch. A stress fracture in his sacrum [lower back] prevented him from competing at the 2019 World Ch.
DNF at 2017, 2013 WCh. Finished 12th at 2020 Valencia Marathon. 11th at 2017 London Marathon. Finished 8th at Fukuoka and 9th at London in 2013. In other events - 23rd in 10,000m at 2012 OG, 24th in 2008. As a Muslim, he has to adjust his training to his religious beliefs. 'I never stop training, even during Ramadan, time that I use to train for cross. I just have to train with less intensity.'
Finished 10th at 2019 WCh. Placed 18th at 2020 Valencia Marathon. Finished 9th in 2019 Rotterdam Marathon. He runs a cattle farm in Almazan, Spain, with his brother. 'At age 18, it didn't seem a very good option to dedicate myself just to running, as anything can happen. So I studied and then my brother and I had the option to take on an old farm that was within our budget, and we went for it.'
Finished 61st at 2016 OG. Placed 33rd at 2019 WCh, 53rd in 2017, 20th in 2015. Finished 17th at 2018 European Ch, 18th in 2014. Finished 4th in 2016 Shanghai marathon, 9th in 2015. In other events - 59th at 2020 World Half Marathon Ch. Competed in football, archery, karate and swimming as a child before focusing on athletics. 'Nothing is impossible. If you do something, do it with joy.'
Finished 63rd at 2016 OG. Placed 26th at 2019 WCh, 40th in 2017. Placed 9th at 2018 European Ch. In other events - finished 26th in 1500m at 2008 OG. He was a 1500m runner until 2015, when coach Mark MISCH (EST) suggested he try the marathon. 'When Mark first talked about switching to the marathon, I wasn't so sure that was a great idea. I trusted him and he turned out to be right.'
Gold at 2019 WCh, 7th in 2015, silver in 2013. Won 2018 New York City Marathon, 3rd in 2017, 2015, 2nd in 2014. Won Boston in 2015, 2013, 2nd in 2019 and 2016. Won at 2013 Dubai. Finished 2nd World Marathon Majors in 2018/2019. Gave his medal back to City of Boston after winning in 2013, in memory of the three people killed in the bombing tragedy. He trains in the Ethiopian hills.
Won London Marathon in 2020. Won Frankfurt Marathon in 2017, 3rd at Xiamen Marathon. 2nd at 2018 New York Marathon. Said he was motivated to win 2020 London Marathon as he felt that he had been ignored. 'Everyone was focused on two athletes - [Eliud] KIPCHOGE and [Kenenisa] BEKELE - and I didn't get any attention. I told myself that I would prove to the world that there is another champion.'
Finished 3rd at London and Tokyo Marathons in 2020. 3rd in 2019 Berlin Marathon. 2nd at 2018 Prague Marathon. 3rd at 2017 Dubai Marathon. In 2015, won Frankfurt and Vienna Marathons. He did not begin training until age 17, as he was previously focused on his studies and helping on the family farm. 'For the first two or three months [of training] I had no shoes, so I ran barefoot on the grass.'
Finished 8th at 2019 Marathon de Paris. In other events - placed 10th in 10,000m at 2020 OG. At 2018 European Ch - bronze in 5000m, gold in 10,000m. He has represented France in cross country at European and world championship level but has set his sights on winning gold in marathon. He was born in Porto-Vecchio on the island of Corsica to Tunisian parents.
DNF at 2018 European Ch. Placed 22nd at 2020 Valencia, 7th at 2019 Sevilla, 12th at 2017 Marathon de Paris, 14th at 2016 Rotterdam. In other events - 19th at 2016 World Half Marathon. Placed 25th at 2018 European Cross Country Ch, 10th in team event. Placed 10th in marathon team at 2018 European Ch. He says switching to coach Bernard FAURE (FRA) has put him in the right direction.
Finished 23rd at 2020 Valencia Marathon. Placed 10th at 2019 Marathon de Paris, 18th in 2018. He began distance running relatively late in life, and said he never started the sport with the goal of competing at the highest level. 'Before the Paris Marathon in 2019, I had never even thought about the Olympics. I was just trying to do my best, and sport was something I really only did for fun.'
Finished 15th at 2020 London Marathon. In other events - placed 64th at 2018 World Half Marathon, 11th in team event. Gold in 2019 team event and at 2016 European Cross Country Ch. Launched Team Elite Running with partner and Great Britain athlete Lily PARTRIDGE (GBR) in November 2020, offering one-to-one coaching and training plans. 'I enjoy doing research - Lily calls me a a bit of a geek.'
Finished 9th at 2016 OG. 4th at 2019 and 2017 WCh. 10th at 2019 London Marathon, 8th in 2016. DNF at 2018 CWG. In other events - gold in team long distance event at 2016 European Cross Country Ch. At the 2018 CWG in Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, he collapsed from exhaustion 2km from the finish line and was taken to hospital. His older brother Derek HAWKINS (GBR) ran in marathon at the 2016 OG.
Finished 19th at 2020 London Marathon, 16th in 2016, 11th in 2014. In other events - silver in 10,000m at 2010 European Ch. Gold in 5000m at 2003 U23 European Ch. He is close to Mo FARAH (GBR), but that changes once they both get onto the track. 'It's like boxers - we'll shake hands at the end, but once you're in the ring, it's gloves off.'
Finished 16th at 2020 Valencia Marathon. In other events - silver in 10,000m at 2019 European Cup. Silver in 10,000m at 2017 U23 European Ch. Born in Eritrea, he and his mother left when he was age two and moved to Ethiopia. In 2012 he travelled to Germany as a refugee, and in July 2015 he gained citizenship. Proudest moment was placing second at the 2019 European 10,000m Cup in London, England.
First-time Olympian. In other events - 10th in team half marathon at 2016 European Ch. He had heel surgery in 2016 which forced him to miss the 2016 OG. 'I was a very passable footballer but I had my weaknesses, especially in the field of running. To compensate for this, I registered with the local athletics club, LAZ Rhede. After a few weeks of training I knew that it would be a lot more fun.'
Finished 17th at 2021 Xiamen Marathon & Tuscany Camp Global Elite Race. Placed 36th at 2020 Valencia Marathon. In other events - bronze in 3000m at 2017 Indoor European Ch, gold in 10,000m at 2018 European Cup. After the 2020 OG in Tokyo were postponed, he brought forward a planned switch from the 5000m to running the marathon.
First-time Olympian. In other events - finished 85th at 2020 World Half Marathon Championships. Born in Barcelona, Spain, he has been eligible to represent Honduras since January 2020. In July 2021, he took the last place on the Honduras team for the 2020 OG after sprinter Melique GARCIA, who was born in the USA, was unable to obtain a Honduran passport.
Finished 32nd at 2016 OG. Placed 21st at 2013 WCh. Finished 47th at 2018 European Ch, DNS in 2014. DNS at 2014 CWG. Finished 29th at 2015 Berlin Marathon, 13th at London Marathon in 2013. He is an accident and emergency doctor in Harrogate, England, and is able to make his own work schedule to fit around training and competitions. 'You can adapt to new things very quickly.'
Finished 43rd at 2019 WCh. Placed 11th at 2020 London Marathon, 5th at 2020 Houston Marathon. Placed 12th in 2018 London Marathon. His father Mark played for the Northern Irish Commonwealth Games table tennis team. In 2007, he took up an athletics scholarship at McNeese State University in Louisiana, USA.
Finished 64th at 2016 OG. Placed 15th at 2018 European Ch, 28th in 2014. Finished 4th at 2018 CWG. In 2017 - 19th in Berlin Marathon, 20th in London Marathon. Placed 21st at 2015 Berlin Marathon. His time of 2:10:10 at the 2020 Seville Marathon was the second-fastest time recorded by an IRL athlete at that time. The national record of 2:09:15 was set by John TREACY at the 1988 Boston Marathon.
Finished 13th at 2020 Sevilla Marathon. In other events - placed 45th at 2018 World Half Marathon Ch, 10th in team event. Emigrated from Ethiopia to Israel in 2004.
Finished 62nd at 2017 WCh. Placed 11th at 2020 Sevilla, 7th at 2019 Prague. In other events - placed 39th in half marathon at At 2020 World Half Marathon Ch, 7th in team event. At age 13, he listened to radio coverage of Ethiopian athletes at 2000 OG on a school radio and dreamed of one day being an Olympian. 'But I wanted to represent Israel. Ethiopian Jews are never afraid of big dreams.'
Finished 73rd at 2016 OG. DNF at 2017 WCh. Placed 7th at 2018 European Ch. Finished 8th at 2020 and 2019 Sevilla Marathon. Placed 5th at 2019 Frankfurt Marathon, 18th at 2017 Marathon de Paris. Born in Ethiopia, he moved to Israel with his parents and his six siblings in 2006. His wife Selamawit DAGNACHEW (ISR) has represented Israel in distance running.
Finished 27th at 2020 Zurich Marathon. In 2019 season, 13th in Berlin Marathon, 5th at Padova Marathon and 12th at Roma Marathon. He was born in Morocco.
Finished 15th at 2019 WCh. Placed 5th at 2018 European Ch. Placed 7th at 2020 Sevilla Marathon. In other events - gold in team marathon at 2018 European Ch. Placed 11th at 2017 European 10,000m Cup. Born in Eritrea, he has lived in Italy since 2004. 'The bond with my homeland [Eritrea] is strong and inspires me. I often go back there to train at altitude and to see my paternal grandmother.'
Finished 12th at 2019 WCh. Bronze at 2018 European Ch. Finished 9th at 2019 London Marathon. In other events - gold in team marathon at 2018 European Ch. Bronze in 10,000m at 2015 U23 European Ch. Born in Morocco, he moved to Italy in 2004 to join his father, who had moved to the country in 1989 for work. He gained Italian citizenship in 2015.
Won 2018 Fukuoka Marathon. Placed 5th at 2018 Prague Marathon. Finished 13th at Tokyo Marathon in 2017, 12th in 2016. His younger brother Hazuma HATTORI took bronze for Japan in 5000m at the 2019 Asian Ch in Doha, Qatar. He initially played football in but switched to athletics because his middle school had no football team. 'I decided to take on a new challenge in long-distance running.'
Finished 15th in 2019 Tokyo Marathon. Placed 4th in 2018 Berlin Marathon. Finished 7th at 2018 Lake Biwa Marathon. Biggest influence is his coach, Hiroaki OYAGI (JPN). 'When Tokyo won the bid to host the 2020 Olympic Games in my third year of university, he suggested we prepare for the event together. I felt that I would be able to reach my Olympic dream with him.'
Finished 4th at 2020 Tokyo Marathon. Placed 3rd at 2018 Chicago Marathon. Finished 3rd at Boston Marathon and Fukuoka Marathon in 2017. In other events - 29th in 5000m at 2016 OG, 17th in 10,000m. He took up athletics seriously when he was in junior high school. 'I'm motivated knowing that I'm approaching my goals step by step and being rewarded for my success.'
Placed 2nd at 2020 Valencia Marathon. In 2019 season - won at Chicago and Boston, 6th at 2018/2019 World Marathon Majors, won at 2018 Amsterdam, 2016 Prague. Older brother Benson Kipchumba CHERONO (KEN) won 2006 Milan Marathon. Early on, when he could not keep up with Benson in training, he told him to quit and help run family mill business, but he trained secretly with cousin Luka ROTICH (KEN).
Gold at 2016 OG. Won 2021 Enschede Marathon. Won London Marathon in 2019, 2018, 2016 and 2015. Won Berlin Marathon in 2018, 2017 and 2015. Won Chicago Marathon in 2014. In other events - silver in 5000m at 2008 OG, bronze in 2004. Silver in 5000m at 2007 WCh, gold in 2003. 'I am convinced that I can continue running at this level for at least two more years, but I have no guarantee.'
Bronze at 2019 WCh. Placed 3rd at Prague Marathon in 2019 and at Tokyo in 2018. Placed 2nd in Berlin Marathon in 2018. Won Seoul Marathon in 2017 and Maratona di Roma in 2016. 'I run because I can. When I get tired, I remember those who can't run, what they would give to have this simple gift I take for granted, and I run harder for them. I know they would do the same for me.'
First-time Olympian. Won Seoul Marathon in 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 5th in 2017. He moved to Eldoret in the land of his birth, Kenya, in January 2020 to train for 2020 OG. He had planned to return to the Republic of Korea in March 2020 but when the Games were postponed by a year, he decided to stay and train in Kenya until 2021. 'The Republic of Korea gave me an opportunity to change my life.'
Finished 137th at 2016 OG. Placed 7th at 2019 Seoul Marathon, 12th in 2016, 10th in 2014. Finished 10th at 2014 Asian Games. He began focusing on marathon after watching the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, People's Republic of China. 'For me, marathon is the only hope.'
Finished 5th at 2019 Cape Town Marathon, 15th in 2017. His wife Neheng KHATALA has also represented Lesotho in athletics, and finished 6th at the 2019 Cape Town Marathon in South Africa.
DNF at 2019 WCh, 30th in 2017. Placed 24th at 2021 Xiamen Marathon and Tuscany Camp Global Elite Race, 16th at 2019 Boston, 11th at 2018 Chicago, 11th at 2018 Tokyo, 8th at 2017 Beijing. In other events - finished 13th at 2020 World Half Marathon Ch, 4th in team event. Silver in half marathon at 2019 African Games.
Finished 3rd in Xiamen Marathon & Tuscany Camp Global Elite Race. In other events - DSQ in 5000m at 2015 and 2013 WCh. Disqualified in 3000m at 2014 Indoor WCh. Finished 17th at 2020 World Half Marathon Ch, 4th in team event. In 2016, he received a two-year suspension for irregularities in his athlete biological passport. His results from August 11, 2013 until the suspension were annulled.
Finished 8th at 2019 WCh. In other events - 12th at 2020 World Half Marathon Ch, 4th in team event. Bronze in half marathon at 2019 African Games. In order to become a professional athlete, he quit his studies and joined the Moroccan Royal Army in 2014.
First-time Olympian. In other events - silver in 5000m at 2015 NACAC Ch. Silver in 1500m at 2011 Central American & Caribbean Ch. Placed 5th in 5000m at 2019 PanAm Games, 7th in 2015. His brother Jesus Arturo ESPARZA (MEX) has also represented Mexico in athletics. He competed at the 2020 World Half Marathon Ch in Gdynia, Poland. 'Make your life a dream, and make your dream a reality.'
Bronze at 2019 PanAm Games. Finished 26th in 2020 Valencia Marathon. His grandfather signed him up for races. 'He enrolled me in races without having any sort of training. Then he realised I had talent because I finished among the best. He then encouraged my mother to sign me up to an athletics school.' His coach Enrique HERNANDEZ encouraged him to take up marathon running.
Silver at 2019 PanAm Games. He began running as a hobby in 2014, but later his brother encouraged him to pursue the sport more seriously. 'At the beginning, I didn't believe I could achieve that much. I had a job in a meat processing factory and only ran in the afternoons. My brother Victor encouraged me to get involved in high performance sport.'
Placed 91st at 2016 OG, 51st in 2012, 52nd in 2008, 75th in 2004. Finished 54th at 2019 WCh, 48th in 2017, 38th in 2015, 35th in 2013, 19th in 2011, 29th in 2009, 55th in 2007, 61st in 2005, 63rd in 2003. Gold at 2013 Asian Marathon Ch. He has competed in some 60 marathons but it has been a financial battle. In Mongolia, he had to train in two tracksuits because it was so cold.
Finished 129th at 2016 OG. Placed 40th at 2019 WCh, 46th in 2017. Finished 3rd at 2017 Asian Marathon Ch. Placed 13th at 2010 Asian Games. In 2019 season - finished 13th at Shanghai Marathon, 10th at Gold Coast Marathon, 19th at Mumbai Marathon. Finished 8th at 2014 Beijing Marathon, 10th at 2012 Xiamen Marathon. He has received the title of Master of Sport of International Class in Mongolia.
Finished 17th at 2019 WCh. In other events - finished 112th in half marathon at 2018 World Half Marathon Championships. He works as a prison officer at the Namibian Correctional Service.
Placed 23rd at 2021 Xiamen Marathon & Tuscany Camp Global Elite Race In 2019, 9th at Eindhoven, 12th at Rotterdam, 14th at 2016 and 2015 Amsterdam, 7th at 2014 Rotterdam. Gold at 2016 NCh. In other events - gold in half marathon at NCh in 2014, 2013, 2011. Won at Cross Country NCh in 2015, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Spurred on after missing 2016 OG qualification by 30 seconds.
Finished 11th at 2016 OG. DNF at 2018 European Ch. Won NCh in 2019, 2017, 2015. 9th at 2019 Amsterdam Marathon, 4th at Rotterdam. Finished 7th at 2018 Boston Marathon. In 2017, he founded the Abdi Nageeye Foundation, to offer children in the country of his birth, Somalia, the same opportunities in sport as children in NED. 'They can acquire new skills and learn to deal with setbacks better.'
Finished 33rd at 2020 Valencia Marathon. Placed 10th at 2018 Berlin Marathon. In other events - won 10,000m at 2019 NCh, silver in 2018. Won half marathon at 2018 and 2015 NCh, 2nd in 2017. 'I found out from a young age that I was good at running. At the age of 10, I told my father that I wanted to compete at the Olympic Games.'
Finished 19th at 2016 OG. DNF at 2018 European Ch. Finished 9th at 2020 London Marathon. Placed 7th at 2019 Valencia Marathon. Won Fukuoka Marathon in 2017. In other events - 11th in 10,000m at 2019 WCh. Won 25,000m at 2020 Bislett Games. In 2018, he tore a tendon in his thigh and was out for two months. He missed that year's European Championships in Berlin, Germany.
Finished 27th at 2019 WCh. Placed 18th at 2018 Berlin Marathon. In other events - 7th in 3000m at Golden Grand Prix on 2016 World Challenge Tour. He works full-time as a geotechnical engineer in London, England. 'It gives me balance. It makes you very efficient in terms of your training and maximising your recovery because you don't have a lot of time.'
Gold at 2019 Oceania Road Ch. Bronze at 2019 Gold Coast Marathon. In other events - bronze in 5000m at 2014 CWG. Finished 2nd in 2 miles race at 2014 Birmingham Grand Prix. In 2007 at age 17, he and his twin brother Jake ROBERTSON (NZL) moved from New Zealand to Kenya to train. 'Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.'
Finished 134th at 2016 OG. DNF at 2017 WCh. Placed 27th at 2020 Valencia Marathon. In other events - finished 6th in half marathon at 2011 Central American and Caribbean Ch, DNF in 10,000m at 2012 Central American Ch. Became the first marathon runner to represent Panama in an Olympics at 2016 OG. Goal is to finish in top 20 at Tokyo 2020.
Placed 135th at 2016 OG. DNF in marathon at 2019 WCh, 25th in 2017. Gold at 2019 South American Ch, bronze in 2021, silver in 2018, 2017. In 2019 - won South American Marathon Ch, 5th at PanAm Games, 19th at London Marathon. Took part in his first race after an uncle promised that if he ran well he would give him money to visit his grandfather - he won. Training in Kenya in 2019 invigorated him.
Finished 52nd at 2016 OG. Won 2018 South American Marathon Ch. Gold at 2019 PanAm Games. Finished 8th at 2016 Rotterdam Marathon. His brother Raul PACHECO (PER) is an international runner who won silver in the marathon at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, ON, Canada. His wife Evelyn ESCOBAR (PER) has represented Peru in cross-country running at the world championships.
DNF at 2014 European Ch. Finished 10th at 2021 Enschede Marathon, 8th in 2014. In other events - finished 4th in half marathon at 2016 European Ch, 11th in 10,000m in 2010. Silver in men's team at 2008 European Cup - Super League. Gold in 3000m steeplechase at 2005 Junior ECh. Finally an Olympian after missing selection for three previous OG. 'It's been a long fight to make the dream come true.'
Finished 21st at 2018 European Ch. Placed 6th at 2017 Ottawa Marathon, 15th at 2013 Berlin Marathon, 10th at 2012 Vienna Marathon. In other events - 5th in team marathon at 2018 European Ch. In mid-2019 he began working with coach Ryszard MARCZAK, having trained by himself since 2016. 'I had become a father and wanted to spend more time with my son, instead of working on training plans.'
Finished 11th at 2021 Enschede Marathon. Placed 18th at 2019 Frankfurt Marathon. He took up athletics at the Jedynka Gostyn club in Poland at the age of 14. Proudest moment was winning half marathon gold at the 2014 Polish National Championships in Pila. 'Dreams do not become reality through magic. You need sweat, determination and hard work.'
Placed 4th at 2019 Cape Town Marathon, 5th in 2017. In other events - 13th in 5000m at 2016 OG. Placed 12th in 5000m at 2013 WCh, 21st in 2011. Silver in 5000m at 2016 African Ch. Partner Tamzin THOMAS (RSA) took silver in women's 4x100m relay at the 2019 African Games. 'A marathon is like a game of chess. You have to make your moves at the right time and you must watch other people's moves.'
Finished 32nd at 2019 WCh, 21st in 2017, 41st in 2015. Placed 21st at 2020 Valencia Marathon, 10th at Cape Town in 2018. Finished 12th in 2017 Rotterdam Marathon. Competes for Entsika Athletics Club in RSA. 'I do it because I can. I can because I want to. I want to because you said I couldn't.'
Finished 49th at 2012 OG. Placed 5th at 2019 WCh. Won Shanghai Marathon in 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013. Won 2018 Cape Town Marathon. In other events - 18th in 10,000m at 2016 OG. He has competed internationally in cross-country, on the track and on the road, ranging from the 3000m event to full marathons. 'The event I love the most is the 10,000m.'
First-time Olympian. Finished 34th at 2018 World Half Marathon Ch, 16th in team event.
Finished 7th at 2016 OG. Placed 9th at 2019 WCh, 19th in 2015. Silver at 2018 European Ch, 9th in 2014. In 2019, silver at Vienna, 10th at Dubai. Finished 5th at 2017 New York City. In other events - gold in individual and team in half marathon at 2016 European Ch. He took up running after damaging the family's only bicycle. Arrived in Switzerland in 2004 as a refugee from Eritrea.
First-time Olympian. In other events - 10th in team at 2019 Cross Country WCh, 88th in individual. In 2017 season, placed 7th in team at Cross Country WCh, 22nd in individual. Finished 6th in 1500m at 2019 African Games. Runs for Talent Club of Arusha in Tanzania and coached by Francis JOHN and Mwaka MRISHO.
Finished 5th at 2016 OG. Bronze at 2017 WCh, 16th in 2019, 12th in 2015. Finished 6th at 2020 and 2019 Lake Biwa Marathon, 3rd in 2016. Placed 5th at 2017 London Marathon, 6th at 2015 Gold Coast Marathon. He was a gospel singer in a church choir before he took up athletics seriously. 'I left because of training, but I will return to it again.'
Finished 23rd at 2018 European Ch. Placed 7th at 2020 Istanbul Marathon, 8th in 2019, 9th in 2016, 2015. Placed 18th at 2016 Rotterdam. In other events - finished 11th in marathon team at 2018 European Ch, 73rd in half marathon at 2016 European Ch, 4th in team. Made decision to become a runner despite his father's disapproval. Missing 2016 OG after being named as a reserve fuelled his ambition.
DNF at 2019 WCh. In 2019 season - 5th at Istanbul Marathon, 6th at Marathon de Paris. In other events - 13th in 10,000m at 2016 OG, and 19th in 5000m, 9th in 10,000m in 2012. Gold in 10,000m at 2016, 2012 European Ch. At European Cross Country Ch, gold in individual in 2014, team in 2018, 2017, 2014. Born in Kenya, he moved to Turkey, where his coach said there would be better facilities.
Finished 8th at 2021 Enschede Marathon, 9th at 2020 Lake Biwa, 3rd at 2019 Toronto. In other events - finished 26th at 2018 World Half Marathon, 5th in team event. He works for the Uganda Prisons Service and trains with a group in Kapchorwa. 'We show the world what a great advertisement it is to work together.'
Gold at 2012 OG, 14th in 2016. Gold at 2013 WCh, 18th in 2019, 8th in 2011. He became the first Ugandan athlete to win gold in marathon at an OG when he claimed victory at the 2012 Games in London. He was only the second athlete representing UGA to have won Olympic gold, joining John AKII-BUA, who won men's 400m hurdles at 1972 OG. 'Now I say I can die a champion, I cannot die a useless man.'
Placed 13th at 2019 WCh. Finished 15th at Xiamen Marathon & Tuscany Camp Global Elite Race in 2021. He won a gold medal at the 2015 World Mountain Running Championships in Betws-y-Coed, Wales.
First-time Olympian. In other events - finished 12th in 10,000m at 2019 European 10,000m Cup. Gold in 3000m at 2011 European Youth Olympics Festival. Finished 20th at 2020 World Half Marathon Ch. He began the sport in 2006 in Lviv, Ukraine. Most memorable moment was setting a Ukrainian national record in half marathon at the 2020 World Half-Marathon Championships in Gdynia, Poland.
First-time Olympian. In other events - finished 26th at 2019 European 10,000m Cup, 21st in 2018. Finished 18th in 5000m at 2016 European Ch. He took up athletics in 2009, at age 14, at the youth sports school in Starokostiantyniv, Ukraine. Admires British long-distance runner Mo FARAH (GBR). 'The only way to do a great job is to truly love what you do.'
Finished 20th at 2016 OG, 12th in 2012, DNF in 2008. Placed 24th at 2018 European Ch, DNF in 2010. Finished 5th at 2019 and 2017 Beijing Marathon. Placed 9th at 2018 Seoul Marathon, 5th at 2014 Vienna Marathon. He has served as an officer in the National Guard of Ukraine. He studied law at Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs in Ukraine.
DNF at 2012 OG. Finished 3rd at 2020 USA Olympic Trials. Placed 9th in 2019 New York City, 3rd in 2016, 9th in 2009, 6th in 2008, 5th in 2005. At Boston Marathon, placed 15th in 2018, 6th in 2017, 15th in 2014. Finished 4th at 2006 Chicago. His 3rd in 2016 New York Marathon at 39 years and 310 days made him oldest to have reached the podium in that event. Now 44, running is still his 'hobby'.
Finished 2nd at 2020 USA Olympic Trials. Placed 9th at 2019 Chicago Marathon, 11th in 2014. 'Supposedly on my mother's side I'm descended from Scottish pirates, so that's fun.'
Bronze at 2016 OG. Finished 1st at 2020 USA Olympic Trials. Finished 22nd in 2018/19 World Marathon Majors. In 2018 - won Prague Marathon, 5th in Chicago Marathon. Won 2017 Chicago Marathon. In other events - silver in 10,000m at 2016 OG. He has Haglund's deformity, a bony enlargement on the back of the heel, in both feet. He had surgery to resolve the issue in his left foot in 2018.
KEN
Official Reports
ARG
AUS
AUT
BDI
BEL
BRA
BRN
CAN
CHN
COL
DEN
EOR
ERI
ESP
EST
ETH
FRA
GBR
GER
HON
IRL
ISR
ITA
JPN
KOR
LES
MAR
MEX
MGL
NAM
NED
NOR
NZL
PAN
PAR
PER
POL
RSA
RWA
SUI
TAN
TUR
UGA
UKR
USA
