For the first time ever, three triplets will compete together in the upcoming Olympic Games.
Though they’re not expected to medal, Estonia’s Leila, Liina, and Lily Luik will make history (and inspire no shortage of photo ops) as the first known triplets to compete against each other.
Naturally, their road to Rio 2016 didn’t happen overnight – but close. The 30-year-old triplets have only been seriously training for marathon running since they were 24 years old (meaning you could still have a chance at the Olympic Games if you start now).
Leila has the fastest personal best of the sisters (she ran a 2013 marathon in 2 hours, 37 minutes). Liina comes next (2 minutes and 30 seconds slower), followed by Lily (who is 45 seconds back). The three sisters have lead physically active lives since childhood, but the decision to lace up and hit the ground running was what pushed them into professional sports.
According to Reuters, the sisters train together, spending winters at a high-altitude camp in Kenya. Beginning in June, they’ll train for Rio in Northern Italy. When training for the upcoming Olympics, their slogan was “Trio to Rio” — something that could very well become a hit hashtag. Telling the blond-haired, blue-eyed sisters apart is a whole other story.
Though they likely won’t take home medals, the sisters are just happy to compete on the world stage. But that doesn’t mean that shiny hardware is out of the question in the future.
“It would be great… it’s like our dream, and we know that we have to live in reality. It is very hard to compete against the Kenyan runners. We are not at the same kind of level as they are now, but in two or three years we can do that,” they told Reuters.
Inspired? Then what are you waiting for? Not only is a marathon one of the best ways you can challenge your dedication, physical capabilities, and get in the best shape of your life, there are numerous mental health benefits associated with running (even if it’s only on a treadmill).
Here are some upcoming runs in your city:
Toronto
Calgary
Vancouver
Montreal
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