Marathon Men
Published Mon 22 Aug 2016
The marathon rounded out the 10-day athletics program in Rio with strong running by the three Australians to finish the gruelling event that was won by Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge.
29-year old Victorian Liam Adams was the first Australian home in 31st position in 2:16:12 and whilst content with his placing, was disappointed with the time.
“I kind of went out a bit reserved and was coming through the way I wanted to, and probably went a bit too hard through those middle stages and blew up so I was a little bit disappointed with that,†Adams said.
For Michael Shelley, an achilles niggle meant the 32-year-old came into the event with interrupted training, but the Queenslander was able to push through to finish in 47th in 2:18:06.
Reunited with his team mates at the finish line, Shelley said, “We’re all really good mates, and it’s all about surviving out there today. We did our best and hopefully Australia is proud of us.â€
Scott Westcott, the oldest member of the Australian athletics section and the third oldest competitor in the marathon, realised his Olympic dream to make the team at 40-years of age and finish the tough event. He ran 2:22:19 to finish in 81st.
“It was a very special day today. I’m really stoked, really pleased with my run today - I came through the field, and that’s just what I wanted to do,†said the father of three after the event.