Yuko Arimori

Marathon medalist at Barcelona and Atlanta Olympic

Personal biography Born in Okayama in 1966, graduated from Shuujitu High School and Japan College of Physical Education, and joined the Recruit Co., Ltd. Won silver medal at Barcelona Olympic and bronze medal at Atlanta Olympic. On February 18th in 2007, finishing her running career as a professional after running at 'Tokyo Marathon 2007', which is the first large-scale citizen's marathon held in Japan. In 1998, established NPO "Hearts of Gold" and assumed Representative Director. In April 2002, established management company for athletes' "Rights", assumed Director. At present, UN Population Fund Goodwill Ambassador, Director of Japan Association of Athletics Federations, a selected member of Women's Committee in Japan Association of Athletics Federations, and a committee woman of IAAF. Lives in Boulder, Colorado, U.S.A. "Keep on dreaming, and the dreams come true." She has been appealing to children including elementary school kids and junior high school students to keep up their courage with hopes—"Hard work always pays off". She has been putting her energy into activities for communication and support to give the motivators which encourage the children in Cambodia injured by land mines to have dreams by enjoying running with prosthetic legs and arms. The principle of Ms.Yuko Arimori is that you are the only one person in the world, so stick to your way of life, and live every moment that never comes again with your all energy. Her challenge will continue to live the moment happily. [Main athletic career] 1990 Osaka International Ladies Marathon, 6th place: 02:32:51 (Japan new record in her first race) 1991 Osaka International Ladies Marathon, 2nd place: 02:28:01 (Japan new record) 1991 World ladies marathon championship 4th place: 02:31:08 1992 Barcelona Olympic Ladies Marathon 2nd place: 02:32:49 1995 Hokkaido Marathon 1st place: 02:29:17 (Race record) 1996 Atlanta Olympic Ladies Marathon 3rd place: 02:28:39 1999 Boston Marathon 3rd place: 02:26:39 (Her best time) 2000 Osaka International Ladies Marathon 9th place: 02:31:22 2000 New York Marathon 10th place: 02:31:12 2001 Tokyo International Ladies Marathon 10th place: 02:31:00 2001 Gold Coast Marathon 1st place: 02:35:40 2007 Tokyo Marathon 2007 5th place: 02:52:45 [Current activities] Representative director of NPO "Hearts of Gold" UN Population Fund Goodwill Ambassador A selected member of Women's Committee in Japan Association of Athletics Federations A member of planning board for the International Committee of Japan Association of Athletics Federations A committee woman of IAAF A councilor of Foundation for Encouragement of Social Contribution A councilor of Sasagawa Sports Foundation A member of steering committee for Japan Keirin Association Representative of Special Olympic Okayama