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Jong Song-ok

North Korean runner (born 1974) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jong Song-ok (Korean: 정성옥; born 18 August 1974) is a female long-distance runner and politician from North Korea.

Born (1974-08-18) 18 August 1974 (age 52)
Haeju, North Korea
Hangul
정성옥
Hanja
鄭成玉
RRJeong Seongok
Quick facts Personal information, Born ...
Jong Song-ok
Jong Song-ok in 2014
Personal information
Born (1974-08-18) 18 August 1974 (age 52)
Haeju, North Korea
Korean name
Hangul
정성옥
Hanja
鄭成玉
RRJeong Seongok
MRChŏng Sŏngok
Medal record
Women's athletics
Representing  North Korea
World Championships
Gold medal – first place1999 SevilleMarathon
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Career

Jong debuted internationally at the 1995 Military World Games where she finished second. She emerged as a new star in a series of North Korean marathoners after having placed third at the Beijing Marathon.[1] She also competed at 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, finishing 20th in the women's marathon.[2]

Jong won the world title in the women's marathon at the 1999 World Championships in Athletics in Seville, Spain with a time of 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 59 seconds. Her victory was celebrated by a crowd of over one million people and North Korean media dubbed her the "Queen of Marathon".[3]

Jong is the first North Korean sportsperson to have received the title of Heroine of the Republic.[1] She also holds the title of People's Athlete.[4]

Later life

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.[5][6] Jong became a delegate to the 10th Supreme People's Assembly in March 2000.[1]

Jong married fellow marathon runner Kim Jung-won in March 2001.[7] During the 2008 Olympic torch relay in Pyongyang, she was the last person to carry the Olympic torch through the streets.[8]

Achievements

More information Year, Competition ...
YearCompetitionVenuePositionEventNotes
Representing  North Korea
1996 Olympic Games Atlanta, United States 20th Marathon 2:35:31
1999 World Championships Seville, Spain 1st Marathon 2:26:59
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