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 (born May 6, 1972) is a famous Japanese long-distance runner. She is known for winning the gold medal in the marathon at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. In 2001, she became the first woman ever to finish a marathon in under 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Contents
About Naoko Takahashi
Her Early Life
Naoko Takahashi was born in Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, on May 6, 1972. She was the oldest child of Yoshiaki and Shigeko Takahashi. Her father worked as a kindergarten principal. Interestingly, she is also related to Hideki Shirakawa, a chemist who won a Nobel Prize.
Becoming a Champion Runner
Naoko started running track when she was in junior high school. Later, while attending Osaka Gakuin University, she did very well in national college championships. She placed second in the 1500 meter race and third in the 3000 meter race.
After finishing university, she began training with a well-known coach named Yoshio Koide. She also trained at high altitudes in Colorado to improve her running.
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 at the Nagoya Women's Marathon. She set a new Japanese women's record with a time of 2 hours, 25 minutes, and 48 seconds. Just two months later, she won the 5000 meter race at the Osaka Japan Grand Prix.
In December of the same year, Naoko set another Japanese women's marathon record. She won the Asian Games marathon in Bangkok. Even though it was very warm, she finished in 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 47 seconds. She was more than 13 minutes ahead of the runner who came in second!
Olympic Gold and World Record
In March 2000, Naoko won the Nagoya Women's Marathon again. This win earned her a spot on Japan's Olympic team. She then went on to win the women's marathon at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. Her time of 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 14 seconds was an Olympic record. This record stood until the 2012 London Olympics.
After winning the gold medal, Naoko received the 2000 AIMS Best Marathon Runner Award. She also received Japan's special People's Honour Award.
At the 2001 Berlin Marathon in 2001, Naoko made history. 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 previous world record holder. The next year, she won the 2002 Berlin Marathon again.
Naoko faced some injuries during her running career. She announced her retirement from competitive running in October 2008.
After Her Running Career
Since retiring, Naoko Takahashi has stayed involved in sports. The Gifu Seiryu Half Marathon was started in 2011, and it is named the Naoko Takahashi Cup. She serves as the chairwoman for this race.
She has also worked as a sportscaster and a marathon commentator. Naoko has been an executive member of the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF).
Achievements
- 2000 Olympic Games - Gold Medal
- 2001 Berlin Marathon - World Record, first woman to complete a marathon under 2:20
| 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 | 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
