Rebecca Lonedo Eyes Los Angeles 2028 After Breakthrough Season & World Championship Debut
Veneto, Italy – Italian athletics is buzzing after marathon runner Rebecca Lonedo shared her ambitions and reflections following a landmark season, including her first appearance at the World Championships in Tokyo. The 29-year-old, speaking on the latest episode of Sprint Zone on OA Sport’s YouTube channel, revealed a focused strategy for the coming years, with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics firmly in her sights. This is breaking news for fans of long-distance running and a significant development for Italian athletics, offering a compelling narrative for Google News coverage and SEO optimization.
From Hamburg Surprise to Tokyo Triumph
Lonedo’s recent success wasn’t necessarily planned. Initially focusing on the Hamburg Marathon as a preparatory race, a stunning time of 2h28:42 propelled her into contention for the World Championships. “I never thought I would prepare two marathons this season,” she admitted, highlighting the unexpected turn of events. The experience in Tokyo, despite challenging conditions, proved invaluable. Lonedo described the race as “immense,” emphasizing the opportunity to compete alongside elite athletes and the sheer accomplishment of qualifying. She employed a tactical approach, setting small goals throughout the race and focusing on maintaining position, a crucial element in marathon running, especially in extreme weather.
Balancing Marathon Ambition with Versatility
While the marathon is now central to Lonedo’s plans, she’s keen to avoid specialization to the detriment of her overall athleticism. “Certainly after Tokyo I want to get back into the Marathon game…they will be Marathons for a long time,” she stated. However, she also expressed a desire to revisit shorter distances – 10km and half marathons – to “give myself different stimuli and change the pace a bit.” This approach echoes the training philosophies of many successful endurance athletes, who recognize the benefits of cross-training and varied distances for preventing injury and improving overall performance. It’s a smart strategy for long-term athletic development, and a key element in maximizing her potential for LA 2028.
Inspired by a Legend: Giovanna Epis and the Pursuit of 2:23
Lonedo credits fellow Italian runner Giovanna Epis as a major source of inspiration. “I’d like to follow his route a bit and get to running 2h23,” she revealed, setting a clear and ambitious target. Epis, a highly respected figure in Italian marathon running, represents the standard Lonedo aspires to reach. This mentorship and the pursuit of a specific time demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and a deep understanding of the nuances of marathon performance. The current Italian women’s marathon record is 2:24:43, set by Valeria Straneo in 2014, making Lonedo’s goal a challenging but achievable one.
Cross Country Considerations and the European Championships
Lonedo also touched upon the possibility of competing in cross country, acknowledging the demanding nature of the discipline. She emphasized a desire to perform well, not simply participate, if she chooses to pursue this avenue. The European Championships in Birmingham are also on her radar, but she’s prioritizing a marathon with a reduced field size beforehand to optimize recovery and preparation. This careful planning underscores her dedication to strategic racing and maximizing her chances of success.
Rebecca Lonedo’s journey is a testament to dedication, adaptability, and a clear vision for the future. Her recent experiences have not only solidified her position as a rising star in Italian athletics but have also ignited a passion for the marathon that will undoubtedly drive her towards her ultimate goal: representing Italy with pride at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of Lonedo’s progress and the latest in the world of athletics.
