Jacinto Gaspar.

Coming from Portugal, surfing was a major passion of Jacinto however he could only surf on the weekends. He knew that he had to find something to do throughout the week and that is when he started running. He gives a lot of credit to his cousin for being a major influence and role model which shaped him into the runner he is today.

Jacinto says that a major catalyst for his success is undoubtedly the hard work that he puts into running, week in and week out. “As in sport, and in life, I always aim to improve every day.”

Every day Jacinto sees progress. This is what he says has kept him disciplined throughout the years of training. The opportunities he has been given along the way has also had a significant impact but it is without a doubt it was his evolution year after year.

5 years from now Jacinto sees himself representing major sporting brands from across the globe whilst proudly wearing his Portuguese flag at the LA 2028 Olympics in the Marathon.

His favourite workout of the week? Well if the Marathon didn’t give it away he says it has to be the long run (although he appreciates the 1k repeats on the track.)

One of Jacintos toughest challenges in his running career has been to make the difficult decision to move away from his home in Portugal to pursue his athletics in the United States. Jacinto told us that it is very rare any kids growing up move to the United States to pursue sport unless it was football (soccer) but even then, it is rare.

“Fall in love with the process. Get better every day even if you don’t see immediate results. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.” - Jacinto Gaspar 2025.

Personal Records & Achievements.

800m: 1:56:23

1500m: 3:48:13

Mile: 4:08:63

3000m: 8:16:13

5000m: 14:27:73

10,000m: 29:29:29

U20 Portugal Champion in 1500m and 3000m 2021

U20 European Athletic Championships (Estonia) 2021

u20 3rd Place Portugal Cross Country Championships

u20 European Cross Country Championships (Ireland) 2021

All American NJCAA Mile 2023

u23 European Athletic Championships 10,000m (Finland) 2023

All American NJCAA Cross Crountry Championships 2023

All American NJCAA Half Marathon Championships 2023