The IAAF is saddened to receive the news that Antonio Leitão, the 1984 Olympic bronze medallist in the 5000m, passed away at his home in Porto, Portugal, on 18 March. He was 51.

Leitão illustrated that he was one of the most promising middle and long distance runners of his generation at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles when, at just 24, he raced to a third place finish, clocking 13:09.20.

Battling injuries later in his career, Leitão never again reached the same form that brought him his Olympic accolade. He finished fifth in the 5000m at the 1986 European Championships while his personal best in the event, 13:07.70, was set in Rieti in 1982.

IAAF
with thanks to Tim Hutchings