| Gaylord Silly | |
| Nationality: | Seychellois |
| Birth Date: | 20 February 1986 |
| Birth Place: | Vendôme, France |
| Pb: | Half-marathon: 1:10:44 |
Gaylord Lucien D. Silly (in French pronounced as /siˈje/; born 20 February 1986) is a French-Seychellois long distance runner who represents Seychelles internationally. Born in Vendôme, France, to a Seychelloise mother and a French father, he holds dual nationality.
His first regional event came in 2007 when he finished fourth in the 3000 metres steeplechase at the 2007 Indian Ocean Island Games.[1] [2] After finishing 49th at the 2008 Cross Ouest France,[3] he took part in the 2008 IAAF World Cross Country Championships as the sole representative of the Seychelles.[4] Before the race, he stated that he wanted to push himself to his limits and said "my ambition is to make my country proud and to run a good race".[5] His time of 43:03 for the 12 km men's race was over eight minutes behind the winner and he finished in 162nd place overall.[6] Silly had been chosen by the Seychelles Athletics Federation instead of veteran Simon Labiche because Silly was living comparatively near to the race venue (Edinburgh, Scotland).[2]
Silly ran in the Semi Marathon de Vendome in 2009, running a half marathon best of 1:10:44,[7] and as a result he was selected to represent the Seychelles for a second time, forming part of a Seychellois trio (including Labiche and Simone Zapha) competing at the 2009 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships. He finished in 90th place out of 94 finishers, although his time of 1:11:57 was just enough to beat compatriot Labiche.[8] He returned to the world cross country stage with an appearance at the 2010 IAAF World Cross Country Championships – again being the country's sole representative in the men's race. He finished in 121st position, over six minutes behind winner Joseph Ebuya who lapped him.[9] However, Silly did manage to beat the entire four-man team sent by Iraq.[10]
Silly also came home fifth, and last, place in his 800 metres heat at the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships. His time of 1:54.93 minutes was less than five seconds off Antonio Manuel Reina's winning time, but was enough for a new national indoor record.[7] He represented the Seychelles at the 2013 Jeux de la Francophonie and came seventh in the 3000 metres steeplechase with a personal best of 9:08.47 minutes.[11] On the regional scene, he finished twelfth in the steeplechase at the 2014 African Championships.
When not running competitively, Silly works as a tree surgeon in France.[12]