James Kwalia - Biography

Biography

He had his first success while competing for Kenya when he won the bronze medal in the 3000 m at the 2001 World Youth Championships in Athletics. His first senior medal came at the 2004 IAAF World Athletics Final, where he took the 3000 m silver. He transferred to represent Qatar following this and was very successful in Asian competitions, winning at the 2005 Asian Athletics Championships and the 2006 Asian Games.

He represented Qatar at the Olympics for the first time with an appearance at the 2008 Beijing Games – he finished eighth in the 5000 m. He improved at the next major competition, taking the bronze medal at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics. A streak of wins at Asian championships followed: he set a new Games record in the 3000 m at the 2009 Asian Indoor Games, won the 5000 m title at the 2009 Asian Athletics Championships for a second time and won his first indoor title soon after at the 2010 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships.From the beginning of his career, he was coached by the Italian Renato Canova, under the management of Gianni Demadonna.

He is from Kaptama in Mount Elgon District. Prominent runner Edith Masai is from the same area.

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