Born: 1953 (Oslo, Norway)
Died: 2011
Biography:
Grete Waitz, born Grete Andersen on October 1, 1953, was a Norwegian marathon runner and former world record holder. She left an indelible mark on the world of long-distance running and women’s sports. Waitz’s accomplishments include winning nine New York City Marathons, which is the highest number of victories in a single big city marathon in history. She also won the silver medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and a gold medal at the 1983 World Championships in Helsinki. Additionally, Waitz was a five-time winner of the World Cross Country Championships.
Waitz first made history in 1979 at the New York City Marathon when she became the first woman ever to run the marathon in under two and a half hours. This remarkable achievement shattered barriers for women in sports and inspired countless others to pursue distance running. Throughout her career, Waitz set multiple world records, including in the marathon, 3000 meters, 8 kilometers, 10 kilometers, 15 kilometers, and 10 miles. These records showcased her exceptional talent and cemented her status as one of the greatest long-distance runners of all time.
Not only did Waitz excel in marathons, but she also achieved success in various other events. In her teen years, she won national junior titles in Norway in the 400 and 800 meters. At the age of 17, she set the European junior record for the 1500 meters with an impressive time of 4:17. She then went on to win the bronze medal in the 1500 meters at the European Athletics Championships in 1974. In 1975, Waitz broke the world record in the 3000 meters, running an incredible time of 8:46.6 in Oslo. She continued to lower this record with an 8:45.4 effort in 1976.
Waitz’s success extended beyond individual events. She also showcased her prowess in team competitions, winning the gold medal in the 3000 meters at the inaugural IAAF World Cup in Athletics meet in Düsseldorf in 1977. She followed this with a silver medal at the 1979 World Cross Country Championships and a silver medal at the 1982 European Athletics Championships.
Throughout her career, Waitz demonstrated her dedication and perseverance, overcoming numerous challenges and setbacks. She was a true champion, consistently pushing the boundaries of what was believed to be possible for women in the world of distance running. Her achievements inspired generations of female athletes and significantly contributed to the advancement of women’s sports.
Waitz’s impact on society extended far beyond her athletic accomplishments. She used her platform to advocate for gender equality in sports, breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes. Her trailblazing career paved the way for future generations of female runners, and her dedication to empowering women in sports continues to inspire to this day.
Tragically, Grete Waitz passed away on April 19, 2011, at the age of 57. Her legacy lives on as an icon in the running community and a symbol of perseverance and determination. She will forever be remembered as an extraordinary athlete and a true pioneer for women in sports.
Awards:
– Silver medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles
– Gold medal at the 1983 World Championships in Helsinki
– Nine-time winner of the New York City Marathon (women’s division)
– Five-time winner of the World Cross Country Championships
– Winner of the 1982 European Athletics Championships (silver medal)
– Gold medal at the inaugural IAAF World Cup in Athletics meet in Düsseldorf (1977)