Fernando Chacarelli

Athlete Fernando Chacarelli rose to prominence in 1924 when he set a new Argentinian record in the 3,000m with a time of 9.01.04. Although he used the name Fernando Cicarelli for his athletic career, legal documents show that his real surname was Chacarelli. Additionally, several samples of his autograph exist and are signed “Fernando Chacarelli”. His first major international tournament was the 1926 South American Championships in Athletics, where he placed third in the 3,000 and 5,000m distances, and then improved to second place in the 3,000 at the 1927 edition. He also finished second in the 5,000m that year, but was disqualified for allegedly elbowing the bronze medalist during the race. Disappointed at the decision, he dropped out of the cross-country event that was to be held the following day. He was then selected to participate at the 1928 Summer Olympics, but the Argentinian Olympic Committee decided not to sponsor long-distance runners at the Games and Chacarelli was unable to attend.

Chacarelli’s next stop was the 1929 South American Championships where, focusing on longer distances, he finished second in the 10,000m and third in the cross-country race. At the 1931 edition he was crowned champion in the cross-country, which was to be his only international title. He set new South American records at the 15, 20, and 25 km distances in 1932, paving the way for him to attend that year’s Summer Olympics, where he placed 12th in a field of 16 competitors in the 10,000 m and 17th among 28 participants in the marathon. His final international appearance was at the 1933 South American Championships, where he was runner-up in the cross-country. After his retirement he worked as a physical education teacher and a marathon in his name is held annually in the city of Cordoba.

Personal Bests: 10000 – 31:55.0 (1932); Mar – unknown.