Olympic marathoner missing for over a month: mother begs for help

Former Olympic marathoner Daniel Nascimento has been missing for over a month, and his desperate family is pleading for public assistance. The Brazilian athlete, who competed in the Tokyo Olympics, was last seen on June 19 in Paraguacu Paulista. Relatives say he had no cell phone and was carrying only a black backpack.

His mother, Valdirene Paula Ferreira, made an emotional appeal on social media, revealing that Daniel has mental health issues and hasn't been in touch since June 19. Police are investigating a report that he was spotted about 22 miles away in Assis, where he asked for water and said he had a long way to walk.

Nascimento's disappearance comes amid a difficult period in his career. He is serving a five-year ban after testing positive for three steroids ahead of the Paris Olympics, which ended his hopes of competing in 2024 and 2028. He was also known for leading the New York City Marathon for over 20 miles before collapsing from exhaustion.

The Brazilian Athletics Confederation has urged the track and field community to help find him. His mother shared that after the suspension, her son struggled mentally and missed his training routine. He would sometimes secretly run through sugarcane fields to maintain his habit.

The family officially reported him missing only on July 22, the eve of his 28th birthday. His mother admitted she has lost about 10 kilograms from worry, and his siblings are very concerned. She begs anyone with information to come forward.

As the search continues, fans and fellow athletes hope that Daniel Nascimento will be found safe and sound. The story has gained international media attention, and volunteers are joining the search efforts. Everyone is praying for his safe return home.