Julia Paternain Secures Uruguay's First World Athletics Championship Medal with Marathon Bronze
Julia Paternain defies expectations to win bronze in her second marathon event, clinching Uruguay's inaugural medal at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Unexpected Podium Finish
In only her second competitive marathon, 25-year-old Julia Paternain claimed bronze in Tokyo, marking Uruguay’s first-ever medal at the World Athletics Championships. Ranked 288th globally, she surprised a field of established runners to finish in 2:27:23.
From English Schools Champion to Global Podium
Born in Uruguay and raised in the UK from age two, Paternain won back-to-back English Schools 3,000m titles in 2017 and 2018. She also represented Great Britain at the 2019 European U23 Championships, finishing sixth over 10,000m.
Thrilling Race Finale
Kenya’s Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir took gold in 2:24:43, edging out Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa by two seconds. Paternain found herself unaware of her podium position until she crossed the line. “I was in shock,” she said. “I just wanted to make sure I reached the finish without collapsing.”
Historic Moment for Uruguay
With her family roots in Uruguay and a father at Cambridge University, Paternain blended her British upbringing with South American heritage to achieve a landmark victory. Halfway through the race, she realized she was among the leaders and steadily advanced her position.
Julia Paternain’s unexpected bronze in Tokyo not only highlights her rapid rise in marathon running but also secures Uruguay’s first World Championships medal.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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