The trio in Rio: Estonian triplets to make history at the Olympics
The Luik sisters from Estonia are expected to become the first set of triplets to compete in the same event at the Olympic Games this summer in Rio.
Athletics runs in the Luik family. Leila, Liina and Lily, triplets from Estonia, are expected to become the first ever trio of sisters to compete in an Olympic event this summer in Rio. The three will line up on the start line for the women’s marathon.
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The sisters’ bid to run at the Olympic Games is known as the “trio to Rio,” and although they’re not expected to compete for a medal — their personal bests are more 15 minutes slower than the Olympic record — the three hope to finish together.
The Luiks only got into running seriously when they were 24, according to Reuters. The three turn 31 in October and have qualified to represent their country at the Rio Games.
The three live in separate parts of Estonia but often run together in Kenya at high-altitude training camps. Participating in these camps is not uncommon for elite athletes. Reid Coolsaet and Lanni Marchant, the two best Canadian marathoners right now, spent time in Iten, Kenya this past winter as they train towards Rio.
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Reuters reports that the three Estonian sisters will train together in northern Italy in June as they prepare for the women’s marathon, set for Aug. 14. Liina and Lily represented Estonia in the women’s marathon at the 2015 world championships in Beijing, finishing 27th and 38th, respectively.
Have a nice weekend! Toredat nädalavahetust! ?????#luiktriplets #triplets #hüüahott
A photo posted by Leila, Liina, Lily Luik (@triotorio) on
Leila, the oldest of the three, holds the fastest marathon lifetime best having run 2:37:12. Liina has run 2:39:42 and Lily, the youngest of the trio, has run 2:40:30. The Canadian record, by comparison is 2:28:00, held by Marchant, and the world record is 2:15:25.
You can see a brief video feature on the twins below:
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