Giacomo Leone

Giacomo Leone was the last European (as of 2023) to win the New York Marathon before the start of a long period dominated by African athletes. Leone crossed the line as winner in 1996 (2-09:54) after successful victories by compatriots Orlando Pizzolato in 1984 and 1985 and by Gianni Poli in 1986. Already at the age of 18 Leone competed in 20 km road races. In 1989 he won the bronze medal at the European junior road race (20 km) and the following year finished fifth at the junior World Championships in the same event. At age 20 he decided to make his début in the marathon at the Sheffield Summer Universiade, finishing 15th in 2-27:31.

From there came a long series of marathons in which Leone proved to be one of the best Italian marathon runners ever. He won the New York Marathon in 1996, became the second fastest Italian marathon runner of all time with 2-07:52, and in the same year was ninth at the Half Marathon World Championships, also helping to win the team title. He finished fifth at the Sydney Olympics and broke the 2-10:00 barrier seven times. He never won an Italian title in marathon or half-marathon but earned nine international caps from 1955-2006.

Lone was a graduate accountant. He also remained at the end of his sporting career with the Fiamme Oro Sports Group (policemen), then he began his career as a federal manager, holding the position of national councilor for Fidal (Italian Athletics Federation) for eight years. Since 2016 he has been president of the Athletic Federation of the Puglia Region and is an inspector of the Police, dedicating himself to the repatriation of foreign citizens.

Personal Best: Mar – 2-07:52 (2001).