Noël Tijou

Noël Tijou was one of the best long-distance runners in France during the 1960s and 1970s, winning multiple titles and setting several national records. Tijou won his first national titles in 1967 with victory in both the 10,000 metres and the cross-country championships. He won four more titles in the 10,000 metres (1969–72) and six titles in cross-country running (1969–71, 1973, 1975, 1977). In 1971 he set a national record in the 10,000 metres that stood for five years, followed by another national record in the 20,000 metres in 1972. The same year he ran in the 10,000 metres at the München Olympics but failed to advance to the final from his qualification heat. Tijou continued running long into his later life, setting multiple records for veterans.

Personal Best: 10000 – 28:19.2 (1971).