London Marathon Events provides funding to 30 of Britain’s leading endurance athletes, as part of our commitment to support distance running from playground to podium. This week we caught up with one of them, Chris Thompson, to talk about his life, career and future goals.
Ten of the athletes we’ve funded have been selected to represent Team GB at the rearranged Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games – and Chris is one of them.
He will compete in the men’s marathon on Sunday 8 August, after winning the 2021 British Athletics Marathon at Kew Gardens in March with a time of 02:10:52.
At the ripe age of 40, it will be Chris’s second Olympics, as he made his debut at London 2012. It’s been a busy but very productive year for Chris as he also became a dad during lockdown! This is what he had to say when we caught up recently:
What are your hopes for this year’s Olympic Games?
To run a lot better at this Olympics than at my last appearance! (Chris finished 25th in the 10,000m at London 2012 after an injury-interrupted season.)
Would you prefer to achieve Olympic gold or a World Record?
An Olympic gold. It can never be taken away from you.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Going on athletic trips as a junior. They were always great fun.
