Bengaluru: Marking its eighth edition in city, the TCS World 10K, today announced the legendary French Track and Field Sprinter Marie-José Pérec as the International Event Ambassador for this year. A formidable force, Marie has won three Olympic gold medals and is the first-ever athlete to win consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 400-metre dash between the years. Present at the TCS World 10K, in Bengaluru, Marie will be seen cheering for the city runners, come May 17th.
Fondly, known as 'La Gazelle', thanks to her swift movements across on the track and field, Marie-José Pérec is noted as one of the best female runners across the world. With a series of accolades that include three Olympic Golds, two Golds at the World Championships and two Gold medals at the European Championships, the French athlete is regarded as a sporting phenomenon globally.
Over the course of her 20-year career, Marie stood tall, and collected various national and international honours. In recognition of her contribution to sport, Pérec was awarded the 'Officier de la Légion d'honneur' by French President François Hollande in the Élysée Palace in 2013 and was also inducted in the IAAF Hall of Fame, a month later in the same year.After Marie announced her retirement in 2004, she has been actively involved in bringing about social change through peace, associating with the 'Champions for Peace' club alongside more than seventy elite athletes committed to promoting peace in the world through sports, created by the Monaco based organisation- Peace and Sport.
Delighted on being named as the ambassador of the TCS World 10K, Bengaluru, Marie-José Pérec said, "While I can proudly admit that the track has been my forte - it is a pleasure to know that cities and countries are celebrating and embracing the joys of road racing. Road racing has the unique ability also to build a strong sense of community and in that, there is a joy that makes it even more appealing to communities at large. I look forward to standing at the start line of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru with all the enthusiastic runners, to cheer them on and wait at the finish line to celebrate their sense of accomplishments. Namaste India, let's get our feet on the street."
Speaking on Marie Jose Perec's maiden association with the run as the Event Ambassador, Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director of Procam International, said "With each passing edition of the TCS World 10K we look to inspire the runners by presenting to them, heroes- athletes of international repute. This year we are lucky to have in our midst, an icon for Women in Sport, the prolific Marie Jose Perec. Being an athlete, who has not only made her mark on-field but has also championed the cause of peace off it, Marie is the epitome of excellence and the quintessential role-model for every runner. As an athlete, as a woman in sport and as a humanitarian, we look forward to welcoming Marie Jose Perec as the International Event Ambassador for this edition of the run."
