Arturo Barrios facts for kids
Arturo Barrios Flores (born December 12, 1962, in Mexico City) is a famous Mexican and American long-distance runner. He is known for setting amazing world records in running. In 1989, he set a world record for the 10,000 meters race. Then, in 1991, he broke two more world records: one for running for a full hour, and another for the 20,000 meters distance, which he achieved during his one-hour run.
Amazing Running Career
Arturo Barrios was a very fast runner! He competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics in the 10,000 meters race, finishing in fifth place.
One of his biggest achievements was setting a new world record for the 10,000 meters. He ran this distance in an incredible 27 minutes and 8.23 seconds on August 18, 1989, in Berlin, Germany. This record was the fastest in the world until 1993. It also stood as the fastest time ever for a North American runner until 2010, and it is still the fastest time for a Mexican runner!
Arturo continued to break records. On March 30, 1991, he set two more world records. He ran 21.101 kilometers (about 13.1 miles) in just one hour. This means he was the first person ever to run a half-marathon distance in less than an hour! During this same run, he also set a world record for the 20,000 meters distance, finishing in 56 minutes and 55.6 seconds. These records were not broken until 2007. Just like his 10,000m record, these times are still the fastest ever for a North American and for a Mexican runner.
In 1992, he took part in the 1992 IAAF World Cup and finished second in the 5000 meters race.
Arturo also won the famous San Francisco Bay to Breakers race four times in a row, from 1987 to 1990. This race is considered one of the biggest footraces in the world!
Arturo Barrios went to Texas A&M University and graduated in 1985. He ran track and cross country for the university team, called the Aggies. In 1998, he was honored by being added to the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame. In September 1994, Arturo became a citizen of the United States.
Achievements
Arturo Barrios won many medals and championships during his career:
- In 1980, at the Central American and Caribbean Junior Championships in Nassau, Bahamas, he won three gold medals! He won the 1500 meters, 5000 meters, and 10,000 meters races.
- In 1988, he won a gold medal in the 5000 meters race at the Ibero-American Championships in Mexico City, Mexico.
He also won gold medals at the Pan American Games:
- In 1987, he won gold in the 5000 meters at the Pan American Games in Indianapolis.
- In 1991, he won gold again in the 5000 meters at the Pan American Games in Havana.
See also
In Spanish: Arturo Barrios para niños
