Crispín Quispe

Growing up in poverty Crispín Quispe trained in the high altitude of the Bolivian city Potosí, where he ran across the cobblestoned streets and ate bananas to maintain his energy levels. Quispe became a long-distance running specialist, eventually setting seven national records in races from the 3,000 metres to the marathon. His performances in the late 1960s and early 1970s earned him a place on the Olympic team for the 1972 Olympics in München. At the Games he ran in both the 10,000 metres and the marathon, finishing 61st in the latter, almost one hour behind the winner. Quispe continued to compete throughout the decade, with him his aim to run at the 1977 Bolivarian Games. He did not make it to the Games, however, as he got sick and was unable to participate, with the Bolivian press treating him quite harshly.

Following his retirement Quispe moved to a small town where he kept llamas, but he later suffered with health issues including becoming blind in one eye. He suffered further bad luck in 2020 when his house was robbed, with the thieves taking money and slaughtering his animals.

Personal Best: 10000 – 32:31.8 (1972); Mar – unknown.