Podcast 35: Interview with running pioneer Grete Waitz
Posted April 6th, 2007 at 1:27 PM by Adam Jacobs
Section: News & Results, Marathons, Olympics, Special Features, Interviews, Podcasts
Today’s podcast features a very special interview with Grete Waitz; the legendary Norwegian runner who, among her plethora of accomplishments, won a record nine New York City Marathons between 1978 and 1988, a silver medal in the first Olympic women’s marathon, five World XC titles and broke the world marathon record nine times.
Grete, a woman of incredible talent, passion, modesty and grace, has also been instrumental, through both her athletic achievements and tireless advocacy, in promoting equality for female athletes. In the interview Grete speaks about how things have changed since she first began running; describing the lack of opportunities in the 1970’s, the first Olympic women’s marathon in 1984, and the vast array of athletic opportunities available to women in today’s society.
Grete talks about her transformation into a marathon runner; the story behind her historic, debut victory at the 1978 NY Marathon and her special bond with Fred Lebow, the NYRR and people of NYC.
She also explains that running alongside Fred - her dear friend and the race’s legendary co-founder – as he completed the 1992 NY Marathon while undergoing treatment for the cancer that would ultimately take his life – was a very special experience; one that makes up for the 10th victory that Fred always wanted her to win.
Download the podcast to hear Grete discuss these topics, her own battle with cancer, being inspired by Lance Armstrong, and how Fred’s legacy continues to thrive through the NYRR’s efforts in America, around the world and via the NYRR Foundation.
Listen In
[PLAY] (To Download: Right click and select “save as”)
[RSS] Add The Final Sprint Podcast RSS feed to your RSS reader to have the show delivered to youHost: Adam Jacobs
Guest: Grete Waitz
Producer: Greg Cherniet
Music: Ryan Ahlwardt & Darnell Perkins
File size: 12.6 MB
Length: 00:18:26
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PHOTOS: Norway’s “Grete Waitz” stamp; Grete Waitz and Fred Lebow crossing the finish line at the 1992 New York Marathon (Courtesy of the NYRR).
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Tags: Avon Running Global Womens Circuit, cancer, CARE International, female athletes, first womens marathon, Fred Lebow, grandma, Grete Waitz, ING New York City Marathon, International Special Olympics, interview, jack waitz, Kathrine Switzer, lance armstrong, London Marathon, marathoner, Mary Wittenberg, New York City, new york marathon, new york road runners, new york road runners foundation, norway, norwegian, NYC Marathon, nyrr, olympics, Oslo, pioneer, podcast, running icon, Wilma Rudolph, womens marathon
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