Date of Birth: October 1, 1953
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Date of Death: April 19, 2011
Biography
Grete Waitz was a legendary Norwegian marathon runner and one of the most influential female athletes in the history of long-distance running. Born in Oslo, Norway, she initially excelled in shorter distances such as the 1500 meters and 3000 meters. However, her career took a dramatic turn when she transitioned to marathon running. Waitz gained international fame for her nine victories in the New York City Marathon between 1978 and 1988, a record that remains unbroken. She also won a silver medal in the marathon at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, and a gold medal at the World Championships in Athletics in 1983. Beyond her competitive achievements, Waitz was known for her dedication to promoting running and fitness, as well as her philanthropic efforts, particularly in cancer research after her own diagnosis. She passed away in 2011, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of athletics.
5 Interesting Facts about Grete Waitz
1. Grete Waitz was the first woman to break the 2:30 barrier in the marathon, achieving this feat in 1979.
2. She initially declined her first invitation to run the New York City Marathon, only deciding to participate at the last minute.
3. Waitz was awarded the prestigious St. Olav’s Medal by the King of Norway in 2008 for her contributions to sports and society.
4. She was a school teacher before becoming a full-time professional athlete.
5. Grete Waitz founded the AKTIV Against Cancer foundation, which aims to promote physical activity as a part of cancer treatment.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Grete Waitz
1. “If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon.”
2. “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”
3. “The marathon is not really about the marathon, it’s about the shared struggle. And it’s not only the marathon, but the training.”
4. “You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can’t know what’s coming.”
5. “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Grete Waitz’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Grete Waitz did not have any children.
Relevant Links
3. [AKTIV Against Cancer Foundation](https://www.aktivagainstcancer.org/
5. [Grete Waitz – International Olympic Committee](https://olympics.com/en/athletes/grete-waitz
