Joílson da Silva explained

Birth Name:Joílson Bernardo da Silva
Birth Date:29 August 1987
Birth Place:Fortaleza, Brazil
Sport:Athletics
Event:Middle & Long-distance running

Joílson Bernardo da Silva (born 29 August 1987) is a Brazilian former athlete who specialised in middle and long-distance running events.

A native of Fortaleza, de Silva started training in athletics as a 15-year old on the streets of his local neighbourhood, running bare-foot as he couldn't afford to buy sneakers. Once he was picked up by a state government program he began training on tracks.[1] In 2004 he was the South American Youth Champion in the 3000 metres event. His best result in senior athletics was a third-place finish in the 5000 metres at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, where he edged out Mexico's Juan Carlos Romero by two hundredths of a second to claim the bronze medal.[2]

Notes and References

  1. News: Joílson: descalço em Fortaleza, mas com bronze em Guadalajara . Globo Esporte . 27 October 2011 . Portuguese.
  2. News: Cearense Joilson Silva é bronze nos 5.000m - Jogada . . 25 October 2011 . pt-BR.