Julia Vaquero facts for kids
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | 18 September 1970 (age 54) Chamonix, France |
| Sport | |
| Country |  Spain |
| Sport | Athletics |
Julia Vaquero Sousa, born on September 18, 1970, in Chamonix, France, is a famous Spanish athlete. She is a retired long-distance runner, which means she competed in races that cover very long distances. Julia proudly represented her country, Spain, in major sports events like the Olympic Games and four World Championships.
Even though Julia was born in France, she moved back to her family's hometown, A Guarda in Galicia, when she was just two months old. Many people consider her one of the best athletes ever from Galicia.
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Julia Vaquero's Athletic Journey
Julia Vaquero competed in many important races throughout her career. She ran in events like the 1500 meters, 3000 meters, 5000 meters, and 10,000 meters.
Competing for Spain
Julia started competing at a young age. In 1988, she took part in the World Junior Championships in Canada. The next year, she was at the European Junior Championships in Yugoslavia.
She won her first medal, a silver, in 1990 at the Ibero-American Championships in Brazil for the 3000 meters race. In 1993, she earned a bronze medal at the Mediterranean Games in France, also for the 3000 meters.
Olympic and World Championship Highlights
One of Julia's biggest achievements was competing in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. She finished 9th in the 10,000 meters race, which is a fantastic result at such a high-level event.
She also competed in several World Championships:
- In 1991, she ran the 3000 meters in Tokyo, Japan.
- In 1993, she competed in the 3000 meters in Stuttgart, Germany.
- In 1997, she ran the 10,000 meters in Athens, Greece, and also won a silver medal in the 5000 meters at the Mediterranean Games in Italy.
- In 1999, she finished 6th in the 5000 meters at the World Championships held in Seville, Spain.
Her Fastest Times
Julia Vaquero set some amazing personal bests (her fastest times) during her career:
- 2000 meters: 5 minutes, 47.81 seconds (set in Nice in 1996). This was a Spanish National Record!
- 5000 meters: 14 minutes, 44.95 seconds (set in Oslo in 1996). This was also a Spanish National Record!
- 10,000 meters: 31 minutes, 14.51 seconds (set in Barakaldo in 1997).
- Half marathon: 1 hour, 10 minutes, 33 seconds (set in Uster in 1998).
More About Julia
You can find more information about Julia Vaquero through these links:
- Julia Vaquero Sousa at Comité Olímpico Español
- Julia Vaquero at the Olympic Channel
- Julia Vaquero at Olympedia
See also
In Spanish: Julia Vaquero para niños
