Leryn Franco Paraguayan javelin thrower Date of Birth: 01.03.1982 Country: Paraguay

1. Biography of Leryn Franco
2. Olympic Participation and Achievements
3. Rise to Popularity

Biography of Leryn Franco

Leryn Franco was born on March 1, 1982, in the capital of Paraguay, Asuncion, to a family of Uruguayan immigrants. Growing up, she developed a passion for sports, particularly javelin throwing, which is an Olympic discipline. At the age of 17, she set a new national record in javelin throwing and was immediately selected to represent Paraguay in the Olympic team. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Franco became a two-time champion in javelin throwing among South American juniors.

Olympic Participation and Achievements

In 2004, Franco participated in her first-ever Olympic Games in Athens, where she placed 21st in the javelin throwing group. In 2007, she set a personal record of 55.38 meters in javelin throwing. As a result, she was once again included in the national Olympic team and went on to compete in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Although Franco finished in 51st place overall, her popularity soared during the games. Her success in other areas, such as being the runner-up in the 2006 Miss Paraguay Bikini Universe competition, contributed to her increasing fame. Javelin throwing among women became one of the most-watched events at the Beijing Olympics.

Rise to Popularity

After the Beijing Olympics, Franco's popularity skyrocketed. She was widely recognized as a fashion model and received numerous invitations for photoshoots and fashion shows. In 2008, tabloids extensively discussed her alleged romantic relationship with Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic, whom she met during the Olympics. Although Djokovic denied the rumors, claiming there was "nothing like that" between them, the public found it hard to resist the charm of the "athlete and beauty."

Overall, Leryn Franco's attractive appearance and athletic talents have made her a renowned Paraguayan sports figure, both on and off the field. Despite her modest results in the Olympics, she continues to be celebrated and admired by fans worldwide.