National pride. Peruvian marathon runner Wilma Arizapana, 34 years old, achieved her official qualification to the 2016 Rio Olympics after successfully completing the Rotterdam Marathon on Sunday and surpassing the qualifying mark for the greatest sporting event in the world.
With a time of 2h31m32s, Arizapana surpassed the qualifying mark for the 2016 Rio Olympics after finishing the competition in fourth place in her category and 80th overall out of more than 12,000 participants.
"I'm very happy to have obtained my ticket to Rio 2016. I came to Rotterdam with that goal in mind and I was able to achieve it. It has been a tough competition, with very good competitors from different parts of the world, and I am proud to represent my country in this great global event. I will continue my preparation to achieve the best results," said Wilma Arizapana, who competed in the 42 kilometers and 195 meters race.
With this result, the athlete reaffirms her qualification obtained last year in the Berlin Marathon, but after being displaced from the third spot, she now returns to the Peruvian delegation alongside Ines Melchor and Gladys Tejeda.
The Rotterdam Marathon is nationally and internationally recognized as one of the most attractive marathons. The magnificent route, the great organization, and the unique atmosphere created by the thousands of spectators cheering in the streets have turned this race into the most important marathon and sports event in the Netherlands.
Another goal achieved by a Peruvian athlete internationally, placing us in the upcoming Olympic Games to be held in our continent, where the Olympic marathoner will seek the best positions.
Source: ITEA Communications.