The 25-Year-Old Surprises Everyone with a Bronze Finish in the Women’s Marathon

Julia Paternain made history for Uruguay by securing the country’s first-ever medal at the World Athletics Championships, claiming a surprise bronze in the women’s marathon. The 25-year-old, whose family is from Uruguay but who grew up in the UK, was ranked 288th in the world in the marathon and was not expected to contend for a medal in her second competitive race at the distance. Her performance was nothing short of extraordinary, marking a historic milestone for Uruguayan athletics.

Paternain’s journey to the podium was marked by a mix of nerves and determination. Reflecting on her performance, she recalled the English Schools 3,000m titles she won in 2017 and 2018, which flashed through her mind during the final stretch of the race. “I remembered the last 200m and this felt just like English Schools,” she said, drawing a powerful parallel between her school days and her historic moment.

Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir, the Olympic champion from Tokyo 2021, won gold with a time of two hours 24 minutes 43 seconds, narrowly edging out Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa by two seconds in a dramatic sprint finish. Paternain crossed the line in 2:27.23, unsure of her position as she finished.

“I was in shock,” Paternain admitted. “I was just trying to get from A to B and get to the finish line without my legs giving way.” Her father, a professor at Cambridge University, and her experience in previous races helped her navigate the uncertainty of the final stretch, where she was unsure if she had indeed reached the finish line.

Paternain’s achievement has already sparked a wave of national pride in Uruguay, where athletics has long been overshadowed by other sports. Her success is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes in the country. “I didn’t really want to think there was a medal, just in case there wasn’t,” she said, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster she experienced during the final moments of the race.

Born to Uruguayan parents, Paternain moved to the UK with her family at the age of two. She represented Great Britain at the 2019 European Under-23s Championships, where she finished sixth in the 10,000m. Her transition from track events to the marathon was a bold move, and her bronze medal in Tokyo has already placed her in the spotlight as a rising star in global athletics.

Uruguay, a country with a population of just over 3.5 million, has long struggled to gain a strong presence in international athletics. Paternain’s historic achievement could serve as a catalyst for increased investment in athletics programs and youth development across the nation. Her story is not just one of personal triumph but also of national hope and potential.