New Zealand athlete Camille Buscomb competing in the 5000m at the Tokyo Olympics. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand runner Camille French has secured an Olympic entry qualifying standard in her debut at the marathon distance.
French (formerly Buscomb), who ran the 5000m and 10,000 metres at the Tokyo Olympics, ran a time of 2:26:08 at the Valencia marathon, beating the Olympic qualifying standard by 42 seconds.
The 33-year-old, who had her first child 17 months ago, finished 31st in the women's race.
It was the second fastest time ever by a New Zealand woman.
Kimberley Smith has the all time New Zealand record of 2:25:21 ran in 2010.
Worknesh Degefa led an Ethiopian 1-2-3 in the women's race with a lifetime best of 2:15:51; compatriots Almaz Ayana and Hiwot Gebrekidan were second and third respectively.
Ethiopia's Sisay Lemma won the men's race in a course record 2:01:48.