Marileidy Paulino
Marileidy Paulino is the Olympic 400m champion, her PB of 47.98 placing her third on the world all-time list. In the lead-up to the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, the Dominican star shares her Ultimate choices.
Ultimate performance… 48.17 for the Olympic record in Paris in 2024 and 47.98 at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.
Ultimate event (bar your own)… 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Ultimate career goal… Becoming a legend and an inspiration to the youth of my country.
Ultimate athlete… Allyson Felix and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
Ultimate clash… Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Julien Alfred in a 400m race.
Ultimate memory… When I was handed the baton during the mixed 4x400m relay at the World Championships in Oregon in 2022. Allyson Felix had a big lead on me, I didn’t think I would catch her given the distance but, in the end, I managed to do it.
Ultimate venue… The Stade de France in Paris for the Olympic Games – such an energetic crowd.
Ultimate meal… The best food is Dominican – with great fried fish and the power of mangú.
Ultimate night out/night in… A night at home, always resting.
Ultimate possession… Family.
Ultimate hidden talent… Singing.
Ultimate day off… Sunday on the beach or with the family.
Ultimate holiday destination… Bahía de las Águilas, Pedernales, Dominican Republic.
Ultimate pre-competition song… Spiritual by Burna Boy.
Ultimate movie… Swatt.
