Liam Adams Secures Late Call-Up to Paris Olympics Marathon Team

In short: Australian marathon runner Liam Adams will be heading to the Paris Olympics after initially missing out on selection. Despite being Australia’s best finisher at the past two Olympics, Adams faced exclusion due to ‘universality place’ rules. However, he will now join a six-strong Australian marathon team for the Games.

What’s next? Adams will compete alongside his teammates at the conclusion of the Paris Olympics, marking his third appearance at the Games.

Australia will field a full marathon squad of six for the Paris Olympics after Liam Adams earned a late call-up following weeks of uncertainty. The 37-year-old marathoner, who was Australia’s best-finishing male runner at the Rio and Tokyo Games, will now compete at his third Olympics.

Adams, who ranked inside the top 80 eligible runners during the qualifying period, faced potential exclusion due to ‘universality places’ allocated to athletes from minor nations. This situation left his participation in doubt until the recent confirmation of his selection.

Joining national record holder Brett Robinson and Patrick Tiernan on the start line for the men’s marathon in Paris, Adams will be part of a strong Australian contingent. In the women’s race, Sinead Diver, Genevieve Gregson, and Jess Stenson will represent Australia.

Adams’ track record includes a 24th place finish at the Tokyo Games, 31st in Rio in 2016, and a commendable fourth place at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. He holds the sixth spot on the Australian record marathon list, with a personal best time of two hours, eight minutes, and 39 seconds.

Liam Adams celebrating a marathon finish.

“The nervousness and fear I’ve had over this last month have completely left my body,” Adams said after being named for Paris. “It was such a relief, an instant burst of energy. I’m so excited right now and can’t wait to get stuck into my next training session.”

He emphasized the significance of the Olympic Games for athletes like himself, stating, “It’s the pinnacle of our sport so when you get the opportunity to represent your country at the Olympics, you want to have the race of your life and represent your country with distinction. I know I’m a much better marathon runner than I was in my previous Olympics so I’m looking forward to that opportunity.”

As Adams prepares for the Paris Olympics, his experience and determination will undoubtedly bolster Australia’s chances in the marathon event. Fans and fellow athletes alike will be eagerly watching to see him compete at the highest level once again.

For more updates on Liam Adams and the Australian marathon team, stay tuned to our sports coverage.