Elite marathon runner Liam Adams has reignited his dreams of competing in the Paris 2024 Olympic marathon. Officially selected for the Australian Olympic Team, the 37-year-old’s inclusion comes just 50 days before the Opening Ceremony, marking his third Olympic appearance. Adams, Australia’s top male marathon finisher at both the Rio and Tokyo Games, faced weeks of uncertainty over his qualification before receiving confirmation.
Initially, Adams finished the qualification period among the top-80 based on his fastest time. However, the allocation of universality places pushed him out of the quota. It wasn’t until World Athletics reinstated his quota allocation that Adams was officially selected. This announcement was a significant relief for Adams, who expressed immense joy and renewed energy upon hearing the news.
Adams has been a part of the Australian national team since 2007 and holds the position of the sixth fastest Australian marathon runner ever, boasting a personal best of 2:08:39. His 24th-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics was the best by an Australian man in 21 years, second only to Steve Moneghetti’s 10th place finish at Sydney 2000.
Joining Adams on the men’s marathon team are national record holder Brett Robinson and Patrick Tiernan. The women’s marathon team features Sinead Diver, Genevieve Gregson, and Jess Stenson. With Adams’ inclusion, Australia will field a full marathon squad of six for the Paris Olympics, ensuring maximum representation.
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Australian Olympic Committee Chef de Mission Anna Meares welcomed the news with enthusiasm. “I am so thrilled to announce Liam to his third Australian Olympic Team today,” Meares stated. “This has been a rollercoaster few weeks for Liam, but he can now celebrate his place in the Olympic Team with his family, friends, coaches, and supporters.”
Adams reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of the past month, saying, “The nervousness and fear I’ve had over this last month have completely left my body. It was such a relief, an instant burst of energy. I’m so excited right now and can’t wait to get stuck into my next training session.” He added, “It’s the pinnacle of our sport, so when you get the opportunity to represent your country at the Olympics, you want to have the race of your life and represent your country with distinction.”
Determined to improve on his previous Olympic results, Adams aims for a top-20 finish or better in Paris. “I know I’m a much better marathon runner than I was in my previous Olympics, so I’m looking forward to that opportunity,” he said. Despite recent challenges, Adams has ramped up his training, reaching approximately 185 km per week, with plans to increase to 250 km per week in the final preparations for Paris.
Athletics Australia CEO Peter Bromley also celebrated Adams’ selection. “It’s been a long and nervous wait for Australia’s favorite sparky over the last few weeks, and we are absolutely thrilled to see him announced onto the Olympic Team for Paris today,” Bromley said. “Liam has well and truly earned his spot for his third Olympic Games, and we are eagerly looking forward to seeing him don the green and gold singlet at the pinnacle event once again.”
The marathon events in Paris are scheduled for August 10 (men) and August 11 (women), starting from the Hôtel de Ville and finishing at Invalides. The course will feature iconic landmarks such as the Palace of Versailles, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower, and pay tribute to the French Revolution by following the route of the Women’s March on Versailles in 1789. For the first time in Olympic history, the marathon course will also be open to a public event, allowing community runners to compete in a marathon the evening before the women’s race.
As Adams looks forward to his third Olympic marathon, his journey exemplifies resilience and dedication, inspiring both his teammates and the wider Australian sporting community.
[…] Liam Adams has been officially announced as part of the Men’s Olympic Marathon, after World Athletics reinstated his quota spot originally achieved during the qualification period. Athletics Australia Press Release […]