Julia Vaquero facts for kids
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | 18 September 1970 (age 54) Chamonix, France |
| Sport | |
| Country |  Spain |
| Sport | Athletics |
Julia Vaquero Sousa (born September 18, 1970, in Chamonix, France) is a retired Spanish athlete. She was a talented long-distance runner. Julia represented her country at the 1996 Summer Olympics and also competed in four World Championships.
Even though she was born in France, Julia moved to her family's hometown of A Guarda in Galicia when she was just two months old. Many people consider her one of the best Galician athletes ever.
Contents
Julia's Athletics Career
Julia Vaquero competed in many important athletics events during her career. She often ran in long-distance races like the 3000 meters, 5000 meters, and 10,000 meters.
Early Competitions
Julia started competing at a young age. In 1989, she placed 7th in the 3000 meters at the European Junior Championships. The next year, in 1990, she won a silver medal in the 3000 meters at the Ibero-American Championships held in Brazil.
World and Olympic Stages
Julia showed her skills on the world stage. She competed in the World Championships several times, including in 1991, 1993, 1997, and 1999. Her best result at a World Championship was in 1999 in Seville, Spain, where she finished 6th in the 5000 meters race.
A big highlight of her career was competing in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, United States. There, she ran the 10,000 meters race and finished in a strong 9th place.
Mediterranean Games Medals
Julia also won medals at the Mediterranean Games. In 1993, she earned a bronze medal in the 3000 meters in France. Later, in 1997, she won a silver medal in the 5000 meters at the games held in Italy.
Julia's Best Times (Personal Bests)
Julia Vaquero set many personal bests during her running career. A personal best is the fastest time an athlete has ever achieved in a specific race.
- 800 metres – 2 minutes, 9.74 seconds (1989)
- 1500 metres – 4 minutes, 17.37 seconds (1992)
- 2000 metres – 5 minutes, 47.81 seconds (1996) - This was a Spanish National Record!
- 3000 metres – 8 minutes, 41.23 seconds (1996)
- 5000 metres – 14 minutes, 44.95 seconds (1996) - Another Spanish National Record!
- 10,000 metres – 31 minutes, 14.51 seconds (1997)
- 15 kilometres – 49 minutes, 33 seconds (1998) - A Spanish National Record!
- 20 kilometres – 1 hour, 6 minutes, 43 seconds (1998) - Also a Spanish National Record!
- Half marathon – 1 hour, 10 minutes, 33 seconds (1998)
See also
In Spanish: Julia Vaquero para niños
