A Brazilian middle-distance runner and coach who won Olympic gold and silver medals, setting multiple world records in the 800m and 1500m events.
Joaquim Cruz is a Brazilian former middle-distance runner who etched his name in the annals of history by winning the 800 meters at the 1984 Summer Olympics. With a lightning-fast time of 1:43.00, he not only clinched the gold medal but also broke Alberto Juantorena's Olympic Record, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats in the sport.
Born on March 12, 1963, in Taguatinga, Federal District, Brazil, Cruz was the son of a steel worker. He discovered his passion for running at the tender age of 13 and showed immense promise as a junior. By the time he was 15, his personal best over 800 m stood at an impressive 1:51 min.
Cruz's talents didn't go unnoticed, and in 1981, he set a junior world record of 1:44.3 min. This feat earned him a scholarship to the University of Oregon in 1983, where he would go on to make a significant impact on the track and field scene.
Under the guidance of coach Bill Dellinger, Cruz flourished at the University of Oregon. In 1983, he won the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships over 800 m, marking the beginning of his illustrious career.
Later that year, Cruz represented Brazil at the inaugural World Championships in Helsinki, Finland, where he won the bronze medal in the 800 m event. This achievement solidified his position as a rising star in the world of athletics.
The 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles marked a turning point in Cruz's career. In the 800 m final, he executed a thrilling comeback, surging from second place to take the lead and ultimately securing the gold medal with a time of 1:43.00.
This victory made Cruz the first Brazilian Olympic athletics gold medalist since triple jumper Adhemar Ferreira da Silva won both in 1952 and 1956. Additionally, his time of 1:43.00 broke the Olympic Record set by Alberto Juantorena, further bolstering his reputation as a world-class athlete.
Throughout his career, Cruz amassed an impressive array of accolades and records. He is one of only six men to have run the 800 meters in under 1:42 seconds. His South American record of 2:14.09 min over 1000 m, set in 1984, still stands today.
Cruz's achievements have inspired generations of Brazilian athletes, and his legacy continues to be felt in the world of track and field. He remains an iconic figure in Brazilian sports, celebrated for his remarkable speed, endurance, and determination.
64 Years Old
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69 Years Old
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70 Years Old
A renowned middle- and long-distance runner who won four Olympic and three World Championship medals, later becoming a respected sports broadcaster.
51 Years Old
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53 Years Old
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52 Years Old
A British long-distance runner who holds the women's marathon world record, dominating the sport with her impressive endurance and speed.
78 Years Old
Olympic gold and silver medalist in the 1970s, and later a TV commentator for track and field events, known for his dominance in long-distance running and charismatic broadcasting style.
