Naoko Takahashi: Early Life, Career & Net Worth
Naoko Takahashi is a retired Japanese long-distance/marathon runner who works as a sportscaster, marathon commentator, and member of different associations.
Takahashi is a brave woman who has won several marathon races and became a role model to other women.
Naoko, also known as Q-Chan, is still a Japanese record holder with a record time of 1:41:57 at OHME Marathon (30 km).
She has sacrificed and contributed her entire career for running, which made her country proud.
We have mentioned detailed information about this strong and inspiring woman in the article, starting with some quick facts.
Quick Facts: Naoko Takahashi
| Birth Name | Naoko Takahashi |
| Age | 51 Years Old |
| Nick Name | Q-Chan |
| Date of Birth | May 6, 1972 |
| Gender | Female |
| Profession | Long-distance Runner |
| Place of Birth | Gifu, Gifu, Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Ethnicity | Asian |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Marital Status | Not Married |
| Spouse | None |
| Children | None |
| Father | Unknown |
| Mother | Unknown |
| Siblings | Unknown |
| Education | Osaka Gakuin University Gifu Commercial & Business High School Gifu Shiritsu Aikawahigashi Junior High School |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches |
| Weight | 46kg, i.e., 101 pounds |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Net Worth | $100K – $1 Million |
| Source of Income | Running |
| Social Media | Not Available |
| Merch | Naoko Takahashi Dream Come True Surely ISBN |
| Last Update | April, 2024 |
Early Life and Family of Naoko Takahashi
Naoko Takahashi was born on May 6, 1971, in Gifu, Japan. In addition, she belongs to an Asian ethnic group and is of Japanese nationality.
Unfortunately, the information regarding her parents and siblings is not known.
Moreover, Takahashi joined Gifu Shiritsu Aikawahigashi Junior High School, where she started running in track.
During her high school, she was already doing long-distance running. Well, after the University, Naoko began participating in national collegiate championships.
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How old is Naoko Takahashi? Age and Body Measurements
Retired Japanese runner Naoko Takahashi is currently 51 Years Old.
Similarly, Takahashi celebrates her birthday on the 6th of May and falls under the zodiac sign of Taurus.
Moreover, it represents her personality as dedicated, enduring, and pragmatic.
Moving towards the physical appearance of this runner, Takahashi has a perfect fit and healthy body.
Surely, a person with such athletism and enduring running, no doubt that she has a healthy body.
Likewise, Naoko stands 5 feet and 3 inches, i.e., 163cm tall. Similarly, Takahashi weighs 46kg, i.e., 101 pounds.
Furthermore, this Asian long-distance runner is blessed with black eyes and black hair color.
Career: Naoko Takahashi
Early Career
The running career of Naoko Takahashi begun on her college day, where she starts running at the Japanese national collegiate championship.
Moreover, Takahashi became runner-up in the 1500 meter race and third in the 3000-meter race during her college career.
Similarly, after graduation, she was professional trained by running coach Yoshio Koide. After that, Naoko was trained in Japan with altitude training.
Takahashi had her first marathon after proper training under coach Yoshio Koide in March 1998.
In addition, she set a Japanese women’s record of 2 hours, 25 minutes, and 48 seconds at the Nagoya Women’s Marathon.
Similarly, after two months, Naoko won a 5000-meter race in the Osaka Japan Grand Prix.
In late December, she set another record by winning the Asian Games marathon in Bangkok.
In addition, Naoko finished the race in only 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 47 seconds.
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Marathon
With back to back record in the Asian Games marathon and winning the Nagoya Women’s Marathon, Takahashi earned herself a stop on Japan’s Olympic Women’s Marathon in March 2000.
Similarly, in the 2000 Olympic Games held in Sydney, Takahashi won the women’s marathon with a record time of two hours, twenty-three minutes, and fourteen seconds.
Naoko became the fastest women’s Olympic marathon runner until her record was broken in the 2012 London Olympics.
Achieving a gold medal in Olympic Games, Takahashi received the 2000 AIMS Best Marathon Rummer Award and Japan’s People’s Honour Award.
Rise to Fame
The following year in 2001, Naoko competes in the 2001 Berlin Marathon. Furthermore, she became the first woman to complete the race below the 2 hours and 20 minutes barrier.
In addition, Naoko completed the marathon in only 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 46 seconds.
Likewise, she became the 3rd best Japanese marathon runner after Yoko Shibui and Mizuki Noguchi.
Again, in the 2002 Berlin Marathon, she won a gold medal with a time of 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 49 seconds.
Sadly, in October 2008, this legendary long-distance marathon runner announced her retirement after suffering a series of injuries.
Moreover, in 2011, to honor and tribute Naoko, the Gifu Seiryu Half Marathon launched the Naoko Takahashi Cup, where she serves as the chairwoman.
Well, after her retirement, Naoko works as a sportscaster and marathon commentator.
Similarly, the athlete also serves as an executive member of the Japan Association of Athletics Federation (JAAF) and the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC).
Awards and Achievements
- 7th Place at Osaka International Women’s Marathon with a record time of 2:31:32 in January 1997.
- 1st place at Nagoya International Women’s Marathon with a record time of 2:25:48 in March 1998.
- Gold Medal at Bangkok Asian Games with a record time of 2:21:47 in December 1998.
- 1st Place at Nagoya International Women’s Marathon with a record time of 2:22:19 in March 2000.
- Gold Medal at Sydney Olympics with a record time of 2:23:14 in September 2000.
- Japanese record at OHME Marathon (30 km) with a record time of 1:41:57 in February 2001.
- 1st Place at Berlin Marathon with a record time of 2:19:46 in September 2001.
- 1st Place at Berin Marathon with a record time of 2:21:49 in September 2002.
- 2nd Place at Tokyo International Women’s Marathon with a record time of 2:27:21 in November 2003.
- 1st Place at Tokyo International Women’s Marathon with a record time of 2:24:39 in November 2005.
- 3rd Place at Tokyo International Women’s Marathon with a record time of 2:31:22 in November 2006.
- 27th Place at Nagoya Marathon with a record time of 2:44:18 in March 2008.
Personal Life of Naoko Takahashi
Japanese long-distance marathon runner Naoko Takahashi is currently single.
Similarly, talking about her relationships and dating history, Takahashi is quite a secretive person who likes keeping her personal life private.
Moreover, not much regarding her personal life is revealed. Also, there is no record of Naoko being in any relationship.
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How much is Naoko Takahashi’s Net Worth?
51 Years Old retired marathon runner Naoko has surely accumulated a huge net worth after over a decade of a running career.
Moreover, she is currently working as a sportscaster, marathon commenter, and member of other associations.
As of 2024, the total estimated net worth of Naoko Takahashi is around $100k to $1 Million.
Unfortunately, her exact salary is not known. Although, she is still making a good amount of money. Surely, Naoko lives a comfortable life.
Social Media Presence
Naoko Takahashi is not active on any social media platforms.
Moreover, Naoko likes to remain in her own private zone. So, this might be the reason for her not being active on social platforms.
Quotes of Naoko Takahashi:
“I don’t believe anyone could ever train harder than me.”
“I have had two big dreams, to win the Olympic gold medal and to set the world record. Now both have come true.”
“I have no husband or even a boyfriend; there is no time for such things. There is always the next race, the next workout.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Naoko Takahashi win her first Olympic gold medal?
Naoko Takahashi won her first Olympic gold medal at Sydney Olympics. Moreover, she won with a record time of 2:23:14 in September 2000.
What was the reason behind Naoko’s early retirement?
Naoko Takahashi was suffering from a series of injuries which led her to retire in October 2008.
