Star American discus thrower Valarie Allman, a two-time Olympic champion, has been appointed the International Event Ambassador for the Delhi Half Marathon 2024, set to take place on October 20. Allman clinched gold medals at both the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics, further establishing her status among the world's top discus throwers.
Her impressive throw of 69.50 meters at the Paris Olympics set a new American record. Allman made her Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games, where she won gold with a powerful first throw of 68.98 meters. In addition to her Olympic achievements, she is also a two-time World Championship medallist, securing silver in 2023 and bronze in 2022.
Allman's journey into athletics was unexpected; she initially dreamed of becoming a dancer. However, her passion for track and field blossomed in high school, inspired by her older brother. She quickly gained recognition, winning silver at the 2017 Summer Universiade and making her mark on the international stage. After missing the 2017 World Championships, Allman's determination led her to qualify for the US Olympic team for Tokyo 2020, where she became the first American woman to win Olympic gold in discus since 2008. Her personal best throw of 71.46 meters, recorded in April 2022 at the Triton Invitational, ranks as the 15th longest in history and the longest in nearly three decades.
Following her appointment as the International Event Ambassador for the Delhi Half Marathon, Allman expressed her excitement about her first visit to India. She said, "The beautiful aspect of a running event is its ability to bring us together as a community and make it our own for the larger good. The start line is not just a race; it's a celebration of camaraderie, determination, resilience, and a showcase of our ability to push limits and achieve new personal milestones. I am delighted that my visit to India is for the Delhi Half Marathon and to be a part of something that brings out the vibrant colours of India, #AaRangDeDilli, I like the sound of that."
Allman’s involvement in the event promises to inspire participants and highlight the spirit of unity through sports.
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