Stefano Baldini (born 25 May 1971 in Castelnovo di Sotto, Emilia-Romagna, Italy) is a retired Italian runner who specialized in the marathon. He was the Olympic champion in Athens and was twice European champion (1998 and 2006). Biography Baldini was also a world champion in the half marathon, taking the title in Palma de Mallorca in 1996. In the 2004 Summer Olympics, Baldini finished first in the men's marathon, winning a gold medal. He finished ahead of Brazilian Vanderlei de Lima, who was leading the marathon until being pushed off the course by protester Neil Horan. After a disappointing 2007 season in which he did not complete the London Marathon, Baldini chose to run the New York City Marathon, finishing 4th. Baldini closed his Olympic career at the 2008 Summer Olympics, finishing 12th. Baldini ended his career in October 2010, having originally planned a final race at the Giro al Sas but deciding against the race because of injury. Achievements National titles He won 13 national championships. Italian Athletics Championships 10,000 metres: 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2002 (6) 10 km road: 2010 Half marathon: 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2009 (6) See also FIDAL Hall of Fame Italian all-time lists - 10000 metres Italian all-time lists - half marathon Italian all-time lists - Marathon References External links 1971 births Living people Sportspeople from the Province of Reggio Emilia Italian male long-distance runners Italian male marathon runners Olympic athletes of Italy Olympic gold medalists for Italy Athletes (track and field) at the 1996 Summer Olympics Athletes (track and field) at the 2000 Summer Olympics Athletes (track and field) at the 2004 Summer Olympics Athletes (track and field) at the 2008 Summer Olympics Medalists at the 2004 Summer Olympics World Athletics Championships medalists World Athletics Championships athletes for Italy World Athletics Half Marathon Championships winners European Athletics Championships medalists European athletics champions for Italy Olympic gold medalists in athletics (track and field) Recipients of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races Best Marathon Runner Award