Status: World class marathoner. 2000, 2004, 2008 Olympian.
DOB: October 14, 1973, in Kerns, Obwalden, Switzerland
First running memory: “Was running from my mother (Maria) when she was asking me to make up my room. I destroyed everything, I had everywhere clothes and she said I had to make up my room. And I run away [smiles].”
Running inspirations: “I like the sport because everybody who is born with legs, moving, is able to run. So as a Swiss it’s maybe more normal to ski, so many people do skiing, and if you’re one of the best in running, you’re one of the best all over the world. And that’s my inspiration.”
Favorite movie: “Gladiator.”
Last book read: “Was a funny story around Spain. And I read the book on the way to Barcelona for the European Championships.”
Musical tastes: “Queen.”
Funny Running Memory: “In a half-marathon race I had a very bad day and I was far away from home. So I had to run back. So I decide to jog back and with 200 meters to go the lady – the #1 lady came and catch me. So I was second in the female race. Not so good [smiles]. And they gave it a big headline in my hometown.”
First Car: “It was a Volkswagen (silver).”
First job: “Not actually a job but I get money to eat ugly animals in my home place. The girls gave me their pocket money to eat worms [laughs].”
Current car: “Volkswagen GTI (white).”
Favorite meal: “Special dish called Roschti – it’s potatoes cut in little pieces and cooked in hot pan.”
Favorite ice cream flavor: “Caramel.”
Prerace feeling: “I’m very focused to do a good race. Even I have in my dreams sometimes feelings about the race. So everything, every fiber in my body is focused to run.”
Greatest sports moment: “Difficult. But what happened to me in 2009 (he attempted no marathons after contracting thrombosis on air flight from United Arab Emirates in spring), I think winning the European Championships (Barcelona) in 2010 was the greatest moment of my career.”
Most painful moment: “New York 2010 [smiles]. I dropped out.”
Embarrassing career memory: “Running into the Olympic Stadium in Beijing in sixth position – first white runner. 200 meters away from the bronze medal. On the finish line I didn’t know – should I be proud now? Or should I be not proud? And it was a very special moment. And after a while I realized what it means to be #6 in this crazy race in Beijing.”
Favorite runners to watch: “Of course I like to watch Haile, always amazing the style he runs.”
Last vacation: “Was after winning the European title I went with my wife two weeks to Norway.”
Favorite sport outside running: “As a Swiss I like to watch skiing, even the downhill skiing. Also I go watch hockey and football. Tennis of course, when Roger (Federer) is playing. But I’m not a big fan of tennis.”
Strangest Race: “World Championships in Osaka. When I was #6 on 40K and #3 on the finish line. Everybody was dying around me and I killed two Japanese runners in their hometown. So I didn’t make a lot of friends, but crazy moments.”
Childhood dream: “When I was around 10-years-old I watched Olympic Games in Los Angeles. And the Swiss Markus Ryffel won the silver medal in the 5,000 behind Said Aouita. Since then I didn’t want to be a pilot anymore. I want to be Markus Ryffel [smiles].”
People qualities most admired: “They are honest to me. And they don’t care if I’m on the podium or not [smiles].”
Favorite marathon: “New York. Still [smiles].”
Residence: Sempach, Switzerland.
Career accomplishments: 2010 winner at European Championships Marathon; Winner 2008 Tokyo Marathon and 2004 Zurich Marathon; Three-time Olympian in Marathon – 2000 (36th), 2004 (DNF), 2008 (6th); Bronze medalist at 2007 World Championships in Osaka; Personal best marathon clocking – 2:07.23 in Tokyo 2008.
Topics: Air Flight, Bad Day, Caramel, First Car, First Job, Funny Story, Gladiator, Greatest Sports, Half Marathon, Inspirations, Little Pieces, Marathon Race, Marathons, Mother Maria, Painful Moment, Pocket Money, Sports Moment, Thrombosis, United Arab Emirates, Volkswagen Gti
Biofile with Viktor Rothlin | 