2024 Olympic Marathon Trials

Former NCAA cross-country runner Conner Mantz ruled the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials in Florida when he clocked 2:09:05 for the first Olympic berth. Clayton Young came in second in 2:09:06. Young debuted in Atlanta in 2020, but could only manage 2:29:46 for 136th place. Leonard Korir surged to third place in 2:09:57 but didn’t qualify. In the women’s side, Fiona O’ Keeffe smashed the women’s US Olympic Marathon Trials record when she clocked 2:25:38 to secure a spot in the Paris Olympics. O’ Keeffe broke Shalane Flanagan’s record in 2012 in Houston. Emily Sisson was second in 2:22:42 while Dakotah Lindwurm settled for third in 2:25:31.  Molly Seidel who won the bronze in the Tokyo Olympics, did not start because of a knee Injury.  Sara Hall was fourth in 2:26:06.

Kenyan sets new 10k record

Agnes Ngetich of Kenya set a new world record in the 10K after ruling the Valencia Ibercaja 10K in 28:46.  Ngetich became the first woman in histor   to break the 29-minute barrier.  Emmaculate Achol also of Kenya came in second in 28:57, likewise breaking the barrier.  Lilian Kengeruk was third in 29:32 while Joy Chepngetic  pocketed fourth in 29:55.  The 22-year old Ngetich bettered the previous record held by Yalemself Yehualaw by 28 seconds.  She also won 2 medals in the 2023 World Cross Country Championships, a bronze and a team gold.

Para  athlete in shooting spree

Thai Para athlete ChaturongSuksuk, swimming silver medalist in the 11th Asean Para Games in Indonesia in 2022, went on a shooting spree during his traditional wedding ceremony.  Suksuk shot his wife Kanchana Pachunthuek, who was 15 years older than him, her mother Kingthong Klajoho  62, her sister,Kornipa Manato 38. and a 50-year old guest Thong Nonkhunthaod.  Suksuk then shot himself and died instantly.  He was a former para military who lost his leg in a train accident.