Tristan is from the Torres Strait Islands off the north coast of Australia. He now lives in Townsville where he teaches at a boys school. He is an indigenous role model and great friend to many. In this interview we hear how he overcome a huge challenge in Athens to complete his second marathon and what he has learned in the past two years since he took on the challenge to represent his community on the international stage.
You just ran the oldest marathon in the world in Athens. How does a boy from the Torres Strait Islands find his way to Athens?
Tell us a bit about what happened in Athens?
Did you imagine that you would ever run a marathon before 2021?
What has the process been like for you personally?
You are a teacher and positive role model to many do you feel a lot of external pressure? What does inclusion mean to you?
When you thinkabout the journey of your indigenous ancestors do you feel a lot of responsibility?
What do you imagine is your legacy for youth?https://www.facebook.com/TownsvilleDeadlyRAW
https://www.facebook.com/TheMarathonProject
https://www.facebook.com/tristan.nellimanadams
The Athens Marathon The Authentic is an annual marathon held in Athens, Greece. Inaugurated in 1972, the Athens Marathon is usually organized in early November (the second Sunday of November) and often serves as Greece’s National Marathon Championships. The race is open to about 40,000 runners who can participate in full marathons, 10K races, 5K races, and kids’ races.
The marathon race and course are inspired by the Ancient Greek legend of Pheidippides, a messenger who is said to have run from Marathon to Athens to bring news of the Greek victory over the Persians at the Battle of Marathon. Also taking inspiration from the tradition of the Olympic Torch, the race features the Marathon Flame, which is lit at the Tomb of the Battle of Marathon and carried to the stadium in Marathon before the beginning of each race.