Gary Fanelli

Gary Fanelli ran the marathon for American Samoa at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. He was a solid distance runner and had twice run at the US Olympic trials in the marathon. However, Fanelli was best known for running marathons in various outfits and costumes. He claimed world records for running the marathon while dressed as a ghost, a pirate, a teamster, a migrant farm worker, and Michael Jackson, and he also ran as a Blues Brother, a New York Met, and Chef Ronzoni.

Fanelli was recruited by American Samoa to coach their distance runners in the 1980s, and he established residency there and worked as a coach for several years. Before the 1988 Olympics, American Samoa asked him to run the marathon for their country, which he did.

Personal Best: Mar – 2-14:17 (1980).