Who is Joseph Deng?
Joseph Deng is a popular Australian middle-distance runner. Deng broke the 800 m Australian record with a time of 1:44.21, in July 2018, which had stood since the 1968 Mexico Olympics.
Joseph Deng Career
Athletics career
While attending Raceview State School, Deng was encouraged to join after-school athletics coaching at Ipswich Grammar School under the training of coach Di Sheppard. Deng was given a scholarship at Ipswich Grammar School and went on to be coached by Sheppard. His uncle John Deng also played a role in his growth.
He was picked for the Australian team for the 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships at the age of 17. Deng completed third in the 800 m semi-final in 1:48.49 but did not qualify for the final. In 2016, he ran a personal best of 1:46.51. The same year Deng moved to Melbourne to be trained by Justin Rinaldi who coached Alexander Rowe to run 1:44.40, equalizing Ralph Doubell’s Australian record.
2018-present
In 2018, Deng was controversially picked to compete in 800 m at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast, Queensland, following not qualifying for the final at the Australian Athletics Championships. However, in the B final, he ran a personal best of 1:45.71 and was subsequently picked. At the Games, Deng completed 7th in the 800 m final in 1:47.20.
At the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Monaco, Deng completed 7th in the 800 m but broke the Australian record with a time of 1:44.21 on July 20, 2018. The previous record of 1:44.40 was set by Ralph Doubell in winning the gold medal at altitude at the 1968 Mexico Olympics and equaled in 2014 by Alexander Rowe in Monaco. Joseph’s record also broke New Zealander Peter Snell’s Oceania record of 1:44.3 which was set in Christchurch in 1962. At the conclusion of the 2018 season, he had run 4 times under 1.45 in the year, the most ever by an Australian.
Additionally, he has been credited with his ability to run sprint distances. Deng boasts a 47.25 over 400 m and a wind-aided 22.24 200 m. After the political controversy surrounding purported ”African crime gangs” in Melbourne, he was cited by the ABC as ”a track star of boundless potential” and proof positive of what immigrants can offer to their adopted country when granted the chance.”
How old is Joseph Deng?
Joseph Deng was born in Kakuma, Kenya, on July 7, 1998, and is aged 24 years as of 2022. He shares his birthday with popular people such as Eve Hewson, Ringo Starr, Jack Whitehall, Dylan Sprayberry, Steven Crowder, Jorja Fox, Holly Hagan, Ally Brooke, Jeremy Kyle, and Chris Andersen, among others.
Joseph Deng Family
Who are Joseph Deng’s parents?
Joseph Deng was born in a UNHCR refugee camp established in 1969 in Kakuma, Kenya, to Rebecca and her spouse. His mother left Sudan to escape the Second Sudanese Civil War. At the age of 6, the family moved to Toowoomba, Queensland in 2004, and later to Ipswich at the age of 12 in 2010.
Does Joseph Deng have siblings?
Deng was born to his parents into a family of five children as the youngest. He has four older siblings and a half-brother who lives in Uganda. His known siblings are brothers Peter Deng and John Deng, and sister Margaret Deng. Peter has represented South Sudan at the senior level as a runner.
Joseph Deng Education
Deng attended Raceview State School and later attended Ipswich Grammar School, where he noted his skills and talents in athletics.
Joseph Deng Partner
Deng has not shared his personal life with the media and is not linked to any relationships. He is currently single and not married.
Joseph Deng Children
eng is not married and still single and does not have any children of his own yet.
Joseph Deng Measurements
Deng has a well-built, muscular, and athletic body adding up to a height of 1.83 m ( ) and a weight of 203 lbs (92 kg).
Joseph Deng Net Worth
Sudanese-Australian middle-distance runner Deng is coached by Justin Rinaldi and takes part in the 800 m. He has competed from 2006 to the present and has a net worth of around $1-5 million as of 2023.