João Sousa Pinto

athlete

João Sousa Pinto is a 25-year-old Portuguese runner who made headlines after participating in the Pyongyang International Marathon in North Korea. Initially traveling with friends in China, he seized the rare opportunity to enter North Korea when 200 spots for the marathon were announced, becoming one of the few foreigners allowed in since the pandemic began. João not only completed the 10-kilometer race but also won a gold medal, an achievement that was celebrated in the North Korean media. His experience in Pyongyang was marked by a mix of astonishment and cultural exchange, as he explored the city and interacted with locals, challenging his preconceived notions about the secretive nation.