Former USA Shoe Salesman Sets Sights on Olympic Dream at the National Marathon Qualifiers

The downtown part of Orlando is all set to welcome the US Olympic trials for the marathon. February 3 noted the penultimate day whereas the time was mentioned at 10 am. The trial criteria for the full marathon had started just after the Tokyo Olympics, in January 2022. It continued until December 5, 2023. Moreover, the qualifying standard for men was set at 2:18:00. On the other hand, for women, it was 2:37:00. Based on those criteria, the host made a list of almost 379 track and field athletes who will participate on the designated day. 

The list holds several famed names of American long-distance sprinters. Former Olympic medalists are also prevalent. But among those spirited presences, one name surfaced whose prior background coupled with the pounding of his shoes is guaranteed to knock your socks off. 

Matthew Welch is on his Olympic sojourn 

The age or previous records bar wasn’t there to scrutinize the athletes. Only the time boundary worked as the qualification standard. Riding on that barometer, Matthew ‘Matt’ Welch started to count on his wish to appear in the Olympic marathon. And he attained that. Among the athletes, the 29-year-old sprinter made his own place with a clocking of 2:17:17. So, taking a gentle note of that, the shoe shop Fairhaven Runners & Walkers wished him luck on Facebook. The post from January 31 held, “Way to go Matt!! Local super fast & super fun fella Matt Welch (a former store staffer, too) is heading off to the U.S. Olympic Team Marathon Trials set for this Sat in Orlando, FL.” The post also showcased the visual of a smiling Welch accepting the wish from the store official. 

So from that context, Matt Welch shared his sprinting love even after managing the job in the shoe house. He took part in a plethora of long-distance sprinting events, though Welch’s timings looked gloomy at taking a podium position in maximum cases. But his qualifying timing is way better than his previous performances. The Twin Cities Marathon used to hold his previous best as 2:17:44, attempted in 2019. But with time, he improved his performance, aiming for the Olympic berth. However, on Saturday, Matt Welch will have to face a staunch opposition to win the race. 

The rules in place and the upcoming challenges 

From the Orlando marathon trial, the hosts planned to forward two names for the Olympic event. On the other hand, the third name will be picked up on a later occasion. So obviously, this time, the stakes are enormously high. The contentions are also high in that proportion. This time, Futsum Zienasellassie will be there hoping for an Olympic berth. The former NAU attendee already claimed several milestones even after resuming late in the track and field. 

Read more: After Shattering World Record at 2023 Chicago Marathon, Kelvin Kiptum Teases Toppling Fellow Countryman’s Achievement

Galen Rupp will also appear to attempt his fifth Olympic appearance. The 2x Olympic medalist flexed some nice performances lately. So based on those appearances, Welch must give extra effort on that day to fortify his chance. 

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