William Sichel Takes Bronze at 48-Hour World Championships in Italy — Featured in The Orcadian
William Sichel made an emotional return to ultra running last month, completing his 111th ultramarathon at the GOMU World 48-Hour Championships in Cinisello Balsamo, Italy — and taking home a bronze medal in the over-70 category.
It was William’s first ultra in six years, following a prolonged break from the sport that included hip replacement surgery in Lithuania and an earlier prostate surgery in 2021. Despite the challenges, he covered 144.4 miles in 48 hours, earning a place on the podium.
Having dedicated himself to rehabilitation after his hip operation — gradually building up with walking and gym work through the summer of 2023 — William felt physically ready for the challenge. The mental preparation, he admitted, was the harder part.
William is already looking ahead, with plans to compete at the World Championship six-day event in Hungary in September, and is also considering a 12-hour race in Slovakia beforehand. Closer to home, the Orkney marathon is also on the calendar.
William’s inspiring comeback was featured in The Orcadian on 9 April 2026.
