{{Infobox person | name = Julien Wanders | image = | caption = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1996|3|18}} | birth_place = [[Geneva]], Switzerland | nationality = Swiss | occupation = Long-distance runner | height = {{convert|1.70|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | weight = {{convert|55|kg|lb|abbr=on}} | partner = | children = | awards = | website = }}
Julien Wanders (born 18 March 1996) is a Swiss long-distance runner who specializes in road running and track events. He is best known for holding the current European records in the half marathon and 10K road race, establishing himself as one of Europe's premier long-distance athletes.
Early Life and Career
Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Wanders began his running career at a young age, showing natural talent for endurance events. He gradually progressed through junior ranks, demonstrating a clear focus on longer distances. Early in his career, he began an unconventional training approach for a European athlete, spending extended periods at high altitude in Kenya, often training alongside elite East African runners. This strategy significantly contributed to his development and ability to compete at a world-class level.European Records
Wanders is the current European record holder for:- Half Marathon: 59:13, set on 8 February 2019 at the RAK Half Marathon in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. This historic performance made him the first European runner to break the 60-minute barrier in the half marathon.
- 10K Road Race: 27:13, set on 29 December 2019 in Houilles, France.
Major Competitions
Wanders has represented Switzerland in numerous international championships, often competing against the world's best.- Olympic Games:
- [[Athletics at the 2020 Summer Olympics – Men's 10,000 metres|2020 Tokyo Olympics]]: Competed in the men's 10,000 metres.
- He also qualified for the marathon at the [[Athletics at the 2024 Summer Olympics – Men's marathon|2024 Paris Olympics]] but later withdrew due to injury.
- World Athletics Championships:
- [[2019 World Athletics Championships|2019 Doha]]: Competed in the 5000 metres and 10,000 metres.
- European Athletics Championships:
- [[2018 European Athletics Championships|2018 Berlin]]: Finished 8th in the 10,000 metres.
- [[2022 European Athletics Championships|2022 Munich]]: Competed in the 10,000 metres.
Wanders has also achieved significant results in various major road races globally, including podium finishes and setting numerous personal bests.
Personal Bests
{| class="wikitable" |+ Personal Bests |- ! Event ! Time ! Date ! Location ! Notes |- | 5000 metres (track) | 13:13.91 | 19 July 2020 | Monaco | |- | 10,000 metres (track) | 27:17.29 | 17 July 2020 | Carquefou, France | |- | 10K (road) | 27:13 | 29 December 2019 | Houilles, France | European Record |- | Half Marathon | 59:13 | 8 February 2019 | Ras Al Khaimah, UAE | European Record |}References
External Links
- {{World Athletics profile|id=14603058}}
- {{Olympedia|id=14603058}}