Robert de Castella

Robert de Castella AO, MBE
Robert de Castella in 1983
Personal information
Full nameFrancois Robert de Castella
Born (1957-02-27) 27 February 1957 (age 67)
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Height1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Weight65 kg (143 lb)
Sport
Country Australia
SportLong-distance running
ClubOld Xaverians, Glenhuntly Athletics Club, Melbourne
Mazda Optimists Track Club
Medal record
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 1983 Helsinki Marathon
Commonwealth Games
Gold medal – first place 1982 Brisbane Marathon
Gold medal – first place 1986 Edinburgh Marathon

Francois Robert "Rob" de Castella AO, MBE (born 27 February 1957) is an Australian former world champion marathon runner.

De Castella is widely known as "Deek" or "Deeks"[1] to the Australian public, and "Tree" to his competitors due to his thick legs and inner calm. He holds the Oceanic record for the marathon.

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