Joaquim Cruz

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Cruz's achievements are historic for Brazilian athletics. He was the first Brazilian to win an Olympic gold in track since 1952, and his 1:41.77 remains one of the fastest 800 meters ever run. His Olympic record stood for 12 years, and he is consistently ranked among the greatest 800-meter runners of all time.

AwardsJoaquim Cruz won the Olympic gold medal in the 800 meters at the 1984 Los Angeles Games and the silver at the 1988 Seoul Games. He also took the world indoor title in 1989. These victories place him among Brazil's most decorated middle-distance runners.

Honours & Distinctions

Olympic Gold Medalist

IOC·1984

Won the 800m at the Los Angeles Olympics

South American Record Holder

South American Athletics·1984

Set a South American record of 1:41.77 in the 800m

Founder, Joaquim Cruz Foundation

Joaquim Cruz Foundation·2000

Philanthropic organization supporting youth sports and education in Brazil

Records & Feats

Second man ever to break 1:42 for 800m

Historic First·1984

Ran 1:41.77 in Cologne, 1984, becoming only the second athlete after Sebastian Coe to break the barrier.

Olympic record in 800m

Olympic Record·1984

Set an Olympic record of 1:43.00 at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, which stood until 1996.