Layla Almasri (/ælˈmɑːsri/ al-MAHSS-ree;[1] Arabic: ليلى المصري, Palestinian pronunciation: [ˈleːlæ lˈmˤɑsˤri]; born 26 June 1999) is a Palestinian-American athlete specializing in middle-distance and long-distance running. In 2024, she received an invitation from the International Olympic Committee to represent Palestine in the 800 meters event at the 2024 Summer Olympics.[2][3][4]
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | 26 June 1999 Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States |
| Home town | Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States |
| Alma mater | University of Colorado |
| Height | 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) |
| Sport | |
| Country | Palestine |
| Sport | Athletics |
| Events | |
| College team | UCCS Mountain Lions |
| Turned pro | 2023 |
Early life
editAlmasri was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to a family from Nablus, West Bank. She started running as a young child, taking part in running clubs and joining her middle school's track team.[5]
She attended the University of Colorado Colorado Springs from 2017 to 2023, studying biomedical sciences and pursuing a career as a medical sonographer.[6]
Career
editAlmasri joined her university's track and field club, the UCCS Mountain Lions, and ran cross-country.[7][8] She later became assistant coach.[5]
In March 2023, she began running under the Palestinian flag, and in June 2023, she won the bronze medal in the 1500 meters at the 2023 Arab Athletics Championships in Marrakech. In July 2023, she finished 6th in the 1500 meters at the Asian Athletics Championships.[9] She competed at the 2024 World Athletics Cross Country Championships.[10]
At the 2024 Summer Olympics, she set a new national record for Palestine in the 800 metres during her heat, but failed to advance.[11]
Personal bests
edit- 800 metres – 2:12.21 (Paris 2024) NR
- Indoor – 2:16.71 (Colorado Springs 2021)
- 1500 metres – 4:20.05 (Murfreesboro, TN 2024) NR
- Mile – 4:41.66 (Saint Louis 2023) NR
- Indoor – 4:50.53 (Topeka 2022)
- 3000 metres – 9:38.11i (Topeka 2023)
- 5000 metres – 16:00.80 (Los Angeles 2024) NR
References
edit- ^ "ALMASRI Layla". Paris 2024. IOC. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
- ^ "Paris 2024 : la Palestine se présente aux JO avec huit athlètes et Gaza à l'esprit". France 24 (in French). 20 July 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
- ^ "Eight Palestinian Olympic athletes to compete in Paris under the shadow of Gaza war". France 24. 20 July 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
- ^ "Palestine's Pride: Who Are The Eight Athletes Ready To Shine At The Paris Olympics And What Is Their Story?".
- ^ a b "ALMASRI Layla". Paris 2024. IOC. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
- ^ "Almasri balances college, cross-country and clubs in a city that is close to her heart".
- ^ "Layla Almasri - Women's Cross Country". UCCS Athletics. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
- ^ "LAYLA ALMASRI 10TH PLACE WOMEN'S 6K - NCAA D2 CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022".
- ^ "Layla ALMASRI | Profile | World Athletics". worldathletics.org. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
- ^ "FINAL | Senior Race | Results | Belgrade 24 | World Athletics Cross Country Championships". worldathletics.org. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
- ^ "Women's 800m Round 1". Paris 2024. IOC. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
External links
edit
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