Well-known athlete, champion swimmer, marathon runner, and former model-turned-actor Milind Soman has added another milestone to his extensive list of sporting accomplishments as the ambassador for the Sydney Marathon 2023. This event, known worldwide for its breathtaking course, weaves through Sydney's iconic and historic landmarks, taking runners on a mesmerising journey past the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge and the iconic Sydney Opera House.
On September 17, 2023, Milind Soman, accompanied by his wife, Ankita Konwar, embarked on the challenging 42-kilometre run, showcasing his exceptional athleticism and deep cultural pride. As he crossed the finish line, Milind's trademark gesture of waving the Indian flag symbolised personal triumph and a moment of pride for the Indian community. Soman's association with the 2023 Sydney Marathon highlights his enduring dedication to the sport and underscores the event's significance on the global marathon calendar and as a candidate race for the prestigious AbbottWMM.
The Sydney Marathon is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. The event is owned by Athletics Australia and managed by Pont3.
During his time in Sydney, Milind and his wife Ankita took in the sights of Sydney's harbourside city. This included overnight stays at one of Sydney's most famous attractions, the award-winning Taronga Zoo. As part of their stay at the Wildlife Retreat at Taromga, an elegant Australian eco-retreat overlooking magnificent Sydney Harbour, Milind and Ankita enjoyed dinner at the on-site restaurant Me-Gal, which is home to a uniquely Australian menu with a strong focus on fresh local produce and native ingredients. The couple also participated in various tours of the Zoo and Sanctuary, including getting up close and personal with Australian locals, the kangaroo and koala, and learning about what Taronga is doing to protect endangered animal species.
Soman began his athletic journey at an early age, beginning with swimming at age 6, and went on to represent Maharashtra at both junior and senior levels. In 1984, he won a silver in swimming at the first South Asian Games. He finished the Ironman Triathlon, organised by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), in 15 hours and 19 minutes in 2015, at the age of 50. The one-day race included a 42.2km run, a 3.8 km swim, and an 180.2 km cycle ride.