Jong Song-ok

Jong Song-ok
Personal information
Nationality North Korean
Born 18 August 1974
Haeju, South Hwanghae
Korean name
Chosŏn'gŭl 정성옥
Revised Romanization Jeong Seong-ok
McCune–Reischauer Chŏng Sŏng'ok

Jong Song-ok (born 18 August 1974) is a female long-distance runner from North Korea, who won the world title in the women's marathon at the 1999 World Championships in Athletics in Seville, Spain.

Career

She competed at 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, finishing 20th in the women's marathon.

In 2000, Jong did not participate in either the Boston Marathon or the Summer Olympics in Sydney; South Korean media claimed this was due to the personal instruction of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.[1][2]

Later life

A report on North Korean television in February 2002 stated that Jong had married, but did not give her husband's name.[3] During the 2008 Olympic torch relay in Pyongyang, she was the last person to carry the Olympic torch through the streets.[4]

Achievements

Year Competition Venue Position Event Notes
Representing  North Korea
1996 Olympic Games Atlanta, United States 20th Marathon 2:35:31
1999 World Championships Seville, Spain 1st Marathon 2:26:59

References

External links

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