For the first time ever, Cambodia will be represented in both the men's and women's marathons at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.
Japanese comedian Neko Hiroshi, who became a naturalized Cambodian citizen in 2011, has been awarded a universality placement by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), reports the Phnom Penh Post, thus making him eligible to compete in the August games.
The 39-year-old marathoner won Siem Reap's inaugural marathon back in 2014 and has made it onto the podium at several half marathon events in Cambodia. He will join five other Cambodian athletes in Rio for the Summer Olympics.
Secretary-General Vath Chamroeun of Cambodia's National Olympic Committee welcomed the news.
“Neko Hiroshi and 42-year old Nary Ly, who is the first female runner from Cambodia to compete in this prestigious event, will be great inspiration for the younger generation,” Chamroeun told the Post.
Though it will be Hiroshi's first time competing in the Olympics, it is not his first time trying: the runner attempted to attend the London 2012 Olympics shortly after becoming a Cambodian citizen, however IOC officials ruled against Hiroshi, saying he had to be a naturalized citizen for more than a year before representing his new country in the games.
[Photo via Yahoo]
