In a dramatic finish at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Julia Paternain secured a surprising bronze medal in the women’s marathon, marking Uruguay’s first-ever medal in the event’s history. The 25-year-old athlete, whose family hails from Uruguay but moved to the UK when she was two, drew inspiration from her past victories in the English Schools 3,000m championships during the race. Ranked 288th globally and competing in only her second marathon, Paternain was not considered a contender for a podium finish. However, her determination and strategic pacing propelled her to a remarkable third place with a time of 2:27.23. Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir, the 2021 Olympic champion, clinched gold in a thrilling sprint finish, narrowly beating Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa by two seconds. Paternain, unaware of her exact position during the race, expressed shock and disbelief at her achievement. She credited her success to her focus and resilience, recalling her earlier triumphs in school competitions. This historic moment not only highlights Paternain’s personal journey but also underscores Uruguay’s growing presence in international athletics.