In this biography
Quick facts
- Born
- 22 August 1986
- Birthplace
- Baucau, Timor-Leste
- Country
- Timor-Leste
- Nationality
- Timorese
- Known for
- Finishing the London 2012 marathon and returning in the 1,500 metres at Rio 2016
- Olympic events
- Marathon in 2012; 1,500 metres in 2016
- London result
- 84th in 2:45:09
- Marathon best
- 2:30:04 in 2009
- World Athletics code
- 14386501
Why this life matters
Soares represents the persistence required to sustain elite athletics in a country with limited facilities, racing 42.2 kilometres in London before changing events for Rio.
Timeline
Key moments
Born in Baucau
Born on 22 August during the Indonesian occupation.
Entered his first Olympic team
Was selected for Beijing but recorded a non-start in the marathon.
Set his marathon best
Ran 2:30:04 on 15 December, according to World Athletics.
Finished the Olympic marathon
Placed 84th in London and carried the flag at the opening ceremony.
Changed distance in Rio
Competed in the 1,500 metres and carried the flag at the closing ceremony.
A marathon pathway from Baucau
Soares developed as a distance runner in a country where organised sport was rebuilding alongside the state. His 2:30:04 marathon in 2009 became the performance benchmark recorded by World Athletics.
He was entered in the 2008 Olympic marathon but did not start. In London four years later he completed the course in 2:45:09, finishing 84th and serving as Timor-Leste’s opening-ceremony flag bearer.
Returning at a radically different distance
For Rio 2016, Soares moved from the marathon to the 1,500 metres. He ran 4:11.35 in his heat and later carried the flag at the closing ceremony.
The change illustrates the compromises athletes from very small programmes may make to secure competition and selection. His record is best understood through verified results, not medal expectations: he sustained a national presence across three Olympic teams and two completed Games.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions about Augusto Ramos Soares
- Who is Augusto Ramos Soares?
- Augusto Ramos Soares is a long-distance runner and two-time competing Olympian. Soares represents the persistence required to sustain elite athletics in a country with limited facilities, racing 42.2 kilometres in London before changing events for Rio.
- What is Augusto Ramos Soares best known for?
- Augusto Ramos Soares is best known for finishing the London 2012 marathon and returning in the 1,500 metres at Rio 2016.
- When and where was Augusto Ramos Soares born?
- Augusto Ramos Soares was born on 22 August 1986 in Baucau, Timor-Leste.
Sources and further reading
How this biography was checked
Core dates and offices are checked against the sources below. This profile was last reviewed on 9 September 2026.
