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Trading Real Estate Hustle for Paris Olympics Dream, 39 Year Old Keira D’Amato Make Way to Marathon Trials

Published 02/03/2024, 8:00 AM EST

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In distance running, the two-and-a-half marathon record holder, Keira D’Amato stands as a beacon of perseverance, determination, and unparalleled talent. Her journey through the winding roads of professional running is not just a tale of athletic prowess but a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human will.

Born and raised in Virginia, USA, her passion for running ignited during her formative years, fueling her ambition to chase her dreams relentlessly. However, now she is ready to appear as the Olympic Marathon Trials contender.

Keira D’Amato: A journey to the Olympic Marathon Trials

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In athletics, stories of perseverance and triumph often take center stage, and Keira D’Amato’s journey epitomizes this spirit. To show her prowess on the track, she is now poised to push her limits further in the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. The Paris Olympics posted this on their X handle and captioned the champion’s past tragedies and upcoming journey. “My life then was to eat, sleep, breathe, and run. That was all I knew and all I wanted to do,” recalls D’Amato, reflecting on her days as a collegiate athlete.

After graduation, her goal was to pursue a professional running career, but her destiny had other plans. A series of debilitating injuries struck, shattering D’Amato’s dreams of competing at the highest level. Unfortunately, the athlete’s insurance coverage denied a crucial ankle surgery, forcing her to abandon her beloved sport.

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A real estate agent by profession, she decided to take a seven-year hiatus from competitive running. However, her passion for the sport never waned. Before becoming a prominent figure in real estate, D’Amato gained popularity for her prowess on the track. She first caught the public’s eye with her blazing speed during a 5K race at her local track. Just four months after that record-breaking performance, at age 36, she redefined her trajectory by turning professional with Nike’s sponsorship. Despite the odds, her past triumphs speak of her dedication and passion.

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D’Amato’s past transcends accolades and records

Keira D’Amato’s past triumphs have made her a significant idol worldwide. Notably, D’Amato set the previous American record in the marathon, clocking an impressive 2:19:12 at the 2022 Houston Marathon. Moreover, she showcased her prowess on the global stage by finishing eighth at the 2022 World Athletics Championships.

Read More: Paris 2024 Olympics Marathon Trials Heat Up as 3 of the Fastest US Women Runners Vie for Their Ultimate Goal

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But D’Amato’s accolades extend beyond the marathon. Last July, she shattered records with a remarkable 1:06:39 half marathon time, underscoring her versatility across different race formats. For D’Amato, the journey from real estate maven to track star represents more than just a professional evolution.

WATCH THIS STORY: Despite the Loss on Track, Shelly-Ann-Fraser-Pryce Won Hearts at World Athletics Championships

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Written by:

Anchal Ahuja

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I am Anchal Ahuja, an Olympic Sports writer at EssentiallySports. My love for sports grew when I first watched Olympics when I was 7-years-old. Growing up as I started to delve deeper into the sporting realm, I decided to move on with my new passion with all new hopes to get success.
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Edited by:

Sampurna Pal