Naoko Takahashi facts for kids
 Naoko Takahashi at the 2008 Nagoya Women's International Marathon |
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| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Women's Athletics | ||
Representing  Japan |
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| Olympic Games | ||
| Gold | 2000 Sydney | Marathon |
| Asian Games | ||
| Gold | 1998 Bangkok | Marathon |
Naoko Takahashi (高橋 尚子, Takahashi Naoko, born May 6, 1972) is a famous retired Japanese long-distance runner. She is best known for winning the gold medal in the marathon at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She also made history at the 2001 Berlin Marathon by becoming the first woman to finish a marathon in less than 2 hours and 20 minutes.
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About Naoko Takahashi
Her Early Life
Naoko Takahashi was born in Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, on May 6, 1972. She was the oldest daughter of Yoshiaki Takahashi and Shigeko. Her father worked as a kindergarten principal. She is also related to Hideki Shirakawa, a chemist who won a Nobel Prize.
Her Running Career
Naoko started running track when she was in junior high school. While attending Osaka Gakuin University, she placed second in the 1500-meter race. She also finished third in the 3000-meter race at the Japanese national college championships.
After graduating, she began training with a well-known running coach named Yoshio Koide (coach). She also trained in Colorado, USA, at high altitudes to improve her performance.
In 1997, Naoko competed in the 5000-meter race at the World Championships in Athens. She finished in 13th place.
Setting New Records
In March 1998, Naoko ran her second marathon. She set a new Japanese women's record at the Nagoya Women's Marathon with a time of 2 hours, 25 minutes, and 48 seconds. Two months later, she won the 5000-meter race at the Osaka Japan Grand Prix.
Later that year, in December, Naoko set another Japanese women's marathon record. She won the Asian Games marathon in Bangkok. Her time was 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 47 seconds, even though it was very warm. She finished more than 13 minutes ahead of the runner in second place.
Olympic Gold Medal
In March 2000, Naoko earned a spot on Japan's Olympic marathon team. She won the Nagoya Women's Marathon with a time of 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 19 seconds.
She then went on to win the women's marathon at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Her Olympic record time was 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 14 seconds. This was the fastest women's Olympic marathon time until 2012. After winning the gold medal, Naoko received the 2000 AIMS Best Marathon Runner Award. She also received Japan's special People's Honour Award.
Breaking the 2:20 Barrier
At the 2001 Berlin Marathon, Naoko made history again. She became the first woman to run a marathon in under 2 hours and 20 minutes. Her world record time was 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 46 seconds. She finished more than eight minutes ahead of the runner who held the previous world record. The next year, Naoko won the 2002 Berlin Marathon again.
During her running career, Naoko faced several injuries. She officially announced her retirement from competitive running in October 2008.
After Her Running Career
After retiring, Naoko Takahashi has stayed involved in sports. The Gifu Seiryu Half Marathon started in 2011 and is named the Naoko Takahashi Cup in her honor. She serves as the chairwoman for this race.
Naoko has also worked as a sportscaster and a marathon commentator. She has been an executive member of the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC). She also served as an executive member of the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF).
Naoko Takahashi is related to Hitomi Yoshizawa, who was a leader of the music group Morning Musume.
Major Achievements
- 2000 Olympic Games - Gold Medal
- 2001 Berlin Marathon - Set a World Record, becoming the first woman to finish a marathon in under 2 hours and 20 minutes.
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Representing Japan |
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| January 1997 | Osaka Women's Marathon | Osaka, Japan | 7th | Marathon | 2:31:32 |
| March 1997 | Matsue Half Marathon | Matsue, Japan | 1st | Half Marathon | 1:10:35 |
| March 1998 | Nagoya Marathon | Nagoya, Japan | 1st | Marathon | 2:25:48 |
| December 1998 | Asian Games marathon | Bangkok, Thailand | 1st | Marathon | 2:21:47 |
| May 1999 | Kurobe Half Marathon | Kurobe, Japan | 1st | Half Marathon | 1:10:58 |
| January 2000 | Chiba Half Marathon | Chiba, Japan | 1st | Half Marathon | 1:08:55 |
| March 2000 | Nagoya Marathon | Nagoya, Japan | 1st | Marathon | 2:22:19 |
| July 2000 | Sapporo Half Marathon | Sapporo, Japan | 1st | Half Marathon | 1:09:10 |
| September 2000 | Sydney Olympics Marathon | Sydney, Australia | 1st | Marathon | 2:23:14 |
| February 2001 | Tokyo Ohme-Hochi 30 km | Tokyo, Japan | 1st | 30,000 m | 1:41:57 |
| September 2001 | Berlin Marathon | Berlin, Germany | 1st | Marathon | 2:19:46 WR |
| September 2002 | Berlin Marathon | Berlin, Germany | 1st | Marathon | 2:21:49 |
| November 2003 | Tokyo Marathon | Tokyo, Japan | 2nd | Marathon | 2:27:21 |
| November 2005 | Tokyo Marathon | Tokyo, Japan | 1st | Marathon | 2:24:39 |
| November 2006 | Tokyo Marathon | Tokyo, Japan | 3rd | Marathon | 2:32:22 |
| March 2008 | Nagoya Marathon | Nagoya, Japan | 27th | Marathon | 2:44:18 |
| March 2009 | Nagoya Marathon | Nagoya, Japan | 29th | Marathon | 2:52:23 |
See also
In Spanish: Naoko Takahashi para niños
