Joan Chelimo

The Romanian athlete won a prestigious marathon

Florin Orban, 19.04.2022, 13:45

Last Sunday, the Seoul Marathon was held in South Korea, the oldest event of its kind in Asia. First organized in 1931, the Korean marathon is also the second-oldest in the world after the Boston marathon and offers a total of 2.4 million USD in prizes. The route crosses the city center and is considered one the fastest tracks in the world. This year, the womens event was won by the Kenyan-born Romanian athlete Joan Chelimo, whom we have designated Athlete of the Week on RRI.

Joan Chelimo finished the marathon in 18 minutes and 4 seconds, which marks a new record for Romania. The previous record, 21.30 minutes was set at the Chicago marathon in 2005 by Constantina Diță, whoş went on to win the 2008 gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. Chelimo was followed by Sutume Asefa Kemede of Ethiopia and Eunice Chebichii Chumba Kiplatat of Bahrain, who finished the race almost two minutes later.

Joan Chelimo Melly was born in Kenya on November 10, 1990. As a marathon runner she won her first trophies in 10-km races and in semi-marathon events. She obtained the Romanian citizenship on May 13, 2021, together with Stella Ruto and Delvine Meringor, also from Kenya. All three are enrolled in the Steaua Bucharest Sports Club, and are coached by Carol Șanta. (VP)