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China’s ‘fastest delivery man’ qualifies for Paris ‘people’s’ marathon in Olympics

  • 39-year-old qualifies from pool of tens of thousands to take part in historic event for the public in French capital

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A delivery worker from China has qualified to take part in the first Olympic marathon for the public in Paris later this year. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Sina/Weibo
Alice Yanin Shanghai

A delivery worker from China has been chosen to compete in the Paris 2024 Mass Participation Marathon, the first ever event for amateur athletes at the Olympics.

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More than 800,000 people across the world have applied to join the event.

Luan Yushuai, 39, gained enough of the critical sport credits required to be qualified for the race and become one of 40,048 candidates – including 120 from China – selected via a lucky draw, the Dazhong Daily reported.

Sports credits are gained by taking up the running challenges set out on a special app, either alone or as part of a team, based on time, distance and other factors.

“I’d like to experience running in the Olympics. Really looking forward to it,” Luan said.

Delivery man Luan says he is “really looking forward” to competing in the Paris event. Photo: Weibo
Delivery man Luan says he is “really looking forward” to competing in the Paris event. Photo: Weibo

The Games’ organisers decided to open a marathon to the public to create an opportunity for as many people as possible to get close to the heart of the historic sporting event.

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