From time to time, top politicians change their formal suits to shorts and T-shirts and go for a jog. Some of them are trying to win the sympathy of the sports electorate in this way, others are jogging to get rid of stress and excess weight, and jogging almost saved the life of one of the British prime ministers.
Anyone can join the running drive by taking part in the 12th WORK.UA KYIV HALF MARATHON, which will take place in the Ukrainian capital on April 9 and 10.
Former US leader Barack Obama is not the first president of this country to have such a passion for running. Before him, both George W. Bush, as well as Bill Clinton, were fond of it. It is interesting that the latter was so obsessed with sports that he did not abandon it even on work trips. During his visit to Russia, Clinton even managed to run along the embankment of the Moscow River.
However, Obama was also able to stand out – he was the first to run around the White House. And the politician’s wife supported her husband and launched the Let’s move project, which encourages all people to engage in physical activity as often as possible. As part of the project, Obama, together with then Vice President Joe Biden, organized a “marathon” through the official residence of the US President, which, of course, surprised the population.
After Obama stepped down as “the most athletic head of state in the world,” Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, took his place. Running was not the first sport he did, but it was his favorite. Justin worked out regularly both at home and during business trips to other countries. He even went jogging with other presidents of countries who were keen on running.
For Trudeau himself, running was more than just a hobby. He took part in various races and showed very significant results. So at the Ottawa Marathon he covered 5 km in 22:37.4, taking 365th place out of 1396 possible. Not bad for a 45-year-old man, right?
David Cameron is also famous for his love of running. There is one interesting story that happened to the Deputy Prime Minister of Great Britain while jogging. In 2014, he, accompanied by his security, was jogging, during which he collided with another runner. Only now David thought that the man running towards him was going to attack him and therefore pushed him, without waiting for the actions of his guards. After which the politician got into the car and drove home. The “attacker” was sent to the police, where they explained to him that he had encountered not a madman, but only the deputy prime minister of the country. The situation ended positively for both sides.
The current Prime Minister of Great Britain, Boris Johnson, also became interested in running, however, this activity became forced. The fact is that in 2020, the Deputy Prime Minister suffered from severe covid-19. The reason for this was excess weight, which he began to fight with by running. It is noteworthy that Johnson is accompanied on his run by his dog Dilyn.
George W. Bush also received the title of running president. He, like his father George W. Bush, is an active jogger, which he says has a positive effect on sleep and the development of self-discipline.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy also loves sports, however, there was a time when he overdid it. So, during one of his many runs, the ex-president of France felt weak and dizzy. He was immediately taken to the hospital, where he was provided with all the necessary assistance. But this did not become a reason to give up sports – Sarkozy continued his activities only with slightly less stress.
Well, where would Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko be without running? None of his preparation for battle was complete without running. But today we’ll talk about his political activities. Since 2012, he has not participated in battles, but is actively involved in politics. However, this is not a reason to forget about running. Klitschko, as before, pays attention to jogging, without which not a single day can go by.
Deputy Yulia Tymoshenko also keeps up with previous politicians and also goes jogging. After she returned from prison, her training resumed. And in 2017, Yulia’s excitement, combined with her love for sports, pushed her to make a bet with Andrey Onistrat, vice-president of the Ukrainian Triathlon Federation, that she could run 10 km. Tymoshenko even exceeded all the conditions of the dispute by running 12 km. After the run, her heart rate was less than 150 beats per minute. As a reward for her sports victory, she received from her opponent two bottles of wine and recognition of her excellent athletic form.
In general, politicians, like famous people, set the trend for a healthy lifestyle. Join him too!