The Focus on Athletes project originated in 2001 as Focus on Africans, stemming from the observation that African athletes, while increasingly dominant in distance running, remained largely anonymous to the Western media.

The aim was therefore to bring them more into the spotlight by highlighting their individual personalities, through the compilation of in-depth biographies which present not only the sporting achievements of the athletes, but also their distinctive experiences, family background and personal characteristics, thus helping to make them stand out in the eyes of the media and the fans.

The project was then gradually expanded and from 2008 includes all target areas, i.e. all continental areas except Western Europe and North America (not included as there already are abundant sources available for biographies and features on athletes from these areas).

FoA biographies are update prior to IAAF World Athletics Series events and some continental Championships.

While the ultimate aim is to include all Top 20 athletes from the target areas, we are aware that, especially for continents more recently included in the project, this goal is still quite far, but are working to achieve it.