Lesotho Marathon Runner and Star of Samsung's Olympic Games Documentary 'A Fighting Chance' Tsepo Mathibelle Visits Samsung Galaxy Studio in Olympic Park to Meet with Fans and Test Out The Latest Samsung Tec Echnology

Tsepo Mathibelle, a marathon runner from Lesotho looking to defy all odds during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and improve upon his last place finish at the London 2012 Olympic Games, visited the Samsung Galaxy Studio in Olympic Park on Wednesday, August 17. Mathibelle, who competes in the Men’s Marathon event on Sunday and is hoping to become Lesotho’s first Olympic medalist, took a tour of the Galaxy Studio, meeting with fans and experiencing Samsung’s latest wireless communications products such as Galaxy S7 / Galaxy S7 edge and Gear VR immersive technologies.

 

Mathibelle has defied and overcome numerous barriers on his way to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. His story was told in the recent documentary short “A Fighting Chance,” created by Samsung in partnership with Academy Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville (“20 Feet from Stardom,” “Best of Enemies”). The film gives an unseen perspective into the lives of four Olympic Games hopefuls from around the world as they defy barriers and persevere through challenges to achieve their dreams of competing at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

 

While preparing to compete in Rio, Mathibelle was able to experience the Samsung Galaxy Studio, which opened this week in Rio de Janeiro for the Olympic Games. The Galaxy Studio was specifically designed to help fans embrace the excitement of the Olympic Games and celebrate the Olympic spirit, enabling them to create, capture and share their own experiences. Mathibelle was able to demo immersive technologies such as a new kayaking experience using the Samsung Galaxy smartphone paired with Gear VR that simulates the exhilarating Olympic event.

 

“Samsung has been such a great partner throughout my journey to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games,” said Mathibelle, who finished last in the Men’s Marathon event at the London 2012 Olympic Games after suffering severe back pains; but instead of withdrawing, he limped to the finish line to complete the race. “I feel a connection to Samsung as the company is all about defying barriers, which is similar to my story as I’ve had to overcome so many obstacles to get here today. I am still amazed that Samsung chose to tell my story in “A Fighting Chance.”

 

“The Samsung Galaxy Studio here is really cool,” Mathibelle said. “The virtual reality is like nothing I’ve ever seen before – the roller coaster felt so real. I’m also really pleased to receive my Galaxy S7 edge Olympic Games Limited Edition.”

 

Lesotho marathon runner Tsepo Mathibelle takes a selfie with his Samsung Galaxy S7 edge Olympic Games Limited Edition at Samsung Galaxy Studio in Olympic Village on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Samsung presented 12,500 Galaxy S7 edge Olympic Games Limited Edition to athletes competing in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

 

Inside the Social Galaxy Room, Lesotho marathon runner Tsepo Mathibelle sees Instagram moments come to life in full 360 at the Samsung Galaxy Studio in Olympic Park on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

 

Lesotho marathon runner Tsepo Mathibelle is all smiles as he experiences simulated Olympic kayaking through 4D motion virtual reality at the Samsung Galaxy Studio in Olympic Park on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The film is displayed through the Samsung Galaxy smartphone and compatible gear.

 

Lesotho marathon runner Tsepo Mathibelle (right, in blue) sits in a 4D motion chair to experience the high-speed thrill of a roller coaster through a virtual reality film at the Samsung Galaxy Studio Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Wednesday, August 17 during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The film is displayed through the Samsung Galaxy smartphone and Gear VR.

 

Lesotho marathon runner Tsepo Mathibelle receives a gift of Samsung-themed Rio 2016 Olympic Games pins at the Samsung Galaxy Studio in Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Wednesday, August 17.

 

For more information about Samsung’s involvement in the Olympic Games, please visit www.samsungmobilepress.com/Olympics/

 

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Olympic Games

Samsung began its Olympic Games involvement as a local sponsor of the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games. Beginning with the Nagano 1998 Olympic Winter Games, the company extended its commitment to the Olympic Movement as the Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Wireless Communications Equipment category, providing its proprietary wireless communications platform, called Wireless Olympic Works (WOW), and mobile devices. These innovative mobile phone technologies provide the Olympic Family with real-time, user location-based information service, interactive communications, and Samsung Pay. Samsung hosts various Olympic campaigns to share the excitement of the Olympic Games with people around the world and enable everyone to participate in the Games through its innovative mobile technology. Samsung’s commitment as a Worldwide Olympic Partner continues through to Rio 2016, PyeongChang 2018, and Tokyo 2020.

 

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies, opening new possibilities for people everywhere through relentless innovation and discovery. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.