St. John's University Athletics
Vongvorachoti Finishes 91st in Women's Marathon
8/14/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track and Field
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RIO DE JANIERO - St. John's track & field and soccer alumna Jane Vongvorachoti completed her Olympic journey on Sunday morning in Rio de Janiero after placing 91st in the women's marathon in a time of 2:47:27. The 11-time Thailand national record holder averaged a 6:23 mile time throughout the 26.2 mile course.
Vongvorachoti, who hails from New Hyde Park, N.Y., competed for Thailand in her first Olympic Games ever.
The race kicked off just after 8:30 a.m. EST at Rio's famous Sambadrome Marquês de SapucaÃ, a parade area downtown that represented both the start and finish lines. Race conditions were tough as Vongvorachoti and other runners battled both high humidity and temperatures in the mid-70's throughout the morning.
After qualifying earlier this year in Houston, Vongvorachoti became the first Thai distance runner ever to qualify for an Olympics Games. She competed with fellow countrywoman Natthaya Thanaronnawat, who finished 130th in a time of 3:11:31.
Jelagat Jemima Sumgong of Kenya won the gold medal in the event as she covered the course in a time of 2:24:04. Jepkirui Eunice Kirwa of Bahrain and Mare Dibaba of Ethiopia took home the silver and bronze medals, respectively.
Vongvorachoti competed on the St. John's women's soccer team for two years before walking on the St. John's track & field team in fall of 2006, the final year of her athletic eligibility. Prior to her time at St. John's, Vongvorachoti ran track in high school, but credits much of her current involvement in the sport to Head Coach Jim Hurt.
"It says a lot about St. John's that they are willing to take the risk to see you become a better person and give you an opportunity," said Vongvorachoti.
Next week fellow St. John's track & field alumna, Priscilla Frederick, will compete in the women's high jump for Antigua and Barbuda.
Coverage of the Red Storm in Rio can also be found on Twitter by following @StJohnsRedStorm or by using the hashtag #RedinRio.
Keep up to date on all St. John's cross country news by following on Twitter @StJohnsXCTF and by using the hashtag #stjohnsxc. To be added to the St. John's women's cross country fans e-mail list send a message to Adam.mcKillop15@stjohns.edu with the subject: "St. John's women's XC e-mail."
