Athletics. Luis Soares, former French marathon record holder, has died

Devastated by illness, Luis Soares died this Wednesday, November 13, at the age of 60. He is notably the former French marathon record holder, and will have marked the history of this sport in France.

A track record with international selections and participation in the Olympics

Born in Portugal near Nazaré, the marathon runner settled in France after meeting LoÏc Rapinel, who invited him to come and train in Brittany. After several years spent in France, he was naturalized in 1989, while living in Tours. Victorious in 1992 in the Paris marathon, he set a sensational time of 2h10'03'', thus beating the record held until now by Jacky Boxberger since 1985, author of a 2h10'49''. Having passed through the A3 Tours clubs, C. Marignanne SA, AC Alès, Olympique de Marseille and Stade Français, he obtained his ticket for the Barcelona Olympic Games the same year. He will finish the competition at 45^e place.

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Marathon record holder for six years, before being beaten by Mohamed Ouaadi (2h9'54''), Luis Soares also wore the blue tunic, that of the French selection six times. He will participate in the World Championships in Seville in 1999 with the tricolor jersey.