Joan Benoit Biography

Joan Benoit Samuelson has become a household name in the world of women's running. In high school, she began running track in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Samuelson continued her education at Bowdoin College, where she excelled. She was an All-American in cross-country and track, and she won the Boston Marathon in 1979, breaking both the American and course records. In 1983, Samuelson won the Boston Marathon for the second time, breaking the world record. She won the gold medal in the inaugural women's marathon at the Los Angeles Olympics a year later, at the age of 27. Samuelson set an American record when winning the Chicago Marathon in 1985 with a timing of 2:21:21. She is currently a consultant and clinician for Nike, Inc., where she conducts various running, health, and fitness clinics in the United States and across the world. Samuelson is also a seasoned public speaker who speaks to companies, civic groups, schools, and athletes on a regular basis. She is the author of two books: Running Tide, her autobiography, and Joan Samuelson's Running for Women. Samuelson established the TD Bank 10K in 1998 as a means of giving back to the sport that had given her so much. The race's tagline was originally "Shine the Light on Kids," and each year it supports a new children's charity. After more than a decade, the event now attracts over 6,000 runners each year, including many of the world's best as well as first-timers. Every year, about 10,000 people attend, making it one of the most popular summer events in New England. Samuelson competed in the Olympic Marathon Trials in Boston in April 2008, achieving her aim of running a sub 2:50 at the age of 50! She competed in the 40th NYC Marathon in 2009, which happened to be the 25th anniversary of her Olympic victory, and ran another under 2:50. She established the target as a method to demonstrate her commitment to long-term fitness. Joanie was honored into the Olympic Hall of Fame later that year. Joan Benoit Samuelson (often known as "Joanie") is a married mother of two children, Abby and Anders. She is a loving wife and mother who has always managed to stay committed to the sport.

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