Vanderlei Lima

Brazilian athlete

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July 16, 2026

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Vanderlei Lima was a Brazilian athlete who competed in the men's marathon at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. While leading the race, approximately four miles from the finish line, Lima was assaulted by a spectator. This incident caused him to lose his lead, and he ultimately finished the race in third place, earning a bronze medal. Despite the disruption, Lima's display of sportsmanship and resilience in the face of adversity led him to be awarded the prestigious Pierre de Coubertin medal.12

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Athens 2004 Olympic Games
…Italy after the leader, Brazil’s Vanderlei Lima, was assaulted by a spectator about 4 miles (6.4 km) from the finish line. Lima, who recovered to take the bronze, was awarded the Pierre de Coubertin medal for “his exceptional demonstration of fair play and Olympic values.”
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…Italy after the leader, Brazil’s Vanderlei Lima, was assaulted by a spectator about 4 miles (6.4 km) from the finish line. Lima, who recovered to take the bronze, was awarded the Pierre de Coubertin medal for “his exceptional demonstration of fair play and Olympic values.”
Read More

Olympic Games
Athens, Greece, 2004
…Italy after the leader, Brazil’s Vanderlei Lima, was assaulted by a deranged spectator about 4 miles (6.4 km) from the finish line. Lima, who recovered to take the bronze, was awarded the Pierre de Coubertin medal for “his exceptional demonstration of fair play and Olympic values.”
Read More
…Italy after the leader, Brazil’s Vanderlei Lima, was assaulted by a deranged spectator about 4 miles (6.4 km) from the finish line. Lima, who recovered to take the bronze, was awarded the Pierre de Coubertin medal for “his exceptional demonstration of fair play and Olympic values.”
Read More