Norway Long distancesMarathonXC

Grete Waitz

Also known as nee, Grete Andersen

Born: 1 Oct 1953
Died: 19 Apr 2011 · aged 57
Birthplace: Oslo, Norway
On the podium: 1974 – 1988

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24 international medals + 1 national title

All 25 results Report missing info

Biography

Former world marathon record holder, Olympic medallist. By many experts, she is considered as leading distance runner of women's marathon in early times.

First woman to run marathon under two and a half hours (2:27:33 in NY Marathon 1979). Silver medallist in inaugural women's Olympic marathon in Los Angeles. First world marathon champion in Helsinki 1983. She won five individual golds in World Cross Country Championships, which feat emulated by only Tirunesh Dibaba.

Known as passion to running at New York Marathon, mostly identified with the event. Won the prestigious race for nine-times between 1978-88, still holds the record for most titles. Her final race in New York came in 1992 alongside with race-founder and close friend Fred Lebow, who diagnosed with brain cancer earlier.

After her competitive career, she remained in athletics. Coached Liz McColgan, British distance runner. Organized charity works and appeared her long-time sponsor Adidas activities.

She died from cancer in 2011 aged 57 in her hometown, Oslo.

PERSONAL BESTS
1500m: 4:00.55 in Prague 1978
3000m: 8:31.75 in Oslo 1979
Mile: 4:26.90 in Gateshead 1978
Marathon: 2:24:54 in London 1986

TRIVIA
♦ Contested in four Olympics, 1500 metres in 1972, 1976; marathon in 1984, 1988.
♦ Inducted to IAAF Hall of Fame in 16 November 2013.
♦ Established four world records in marathon
♦ Awarded Royal Norwegian order of St. Olav (2008).

By championship

Championship				Total
Olympic Games	0	1	0	1
World Championships	1	0	0	1
World Cross Country Champs	5	0	2	7
Continental Cup	1	1	0	2
European Championships	0	0	2	2
London Marathon	2	0	0	2
New York Marathon	9	0	0	9
International total	18	2	4	24

National championships

Championship				Total
WAAA Championships	1	0	0	1
National total	1	0	0	1

Medals 24

Year	Championship	Event	Venue	Place	Mark	Record
1988	New York Marathon	Marathon	New York City	1	2:28:07
1986	New York Marathon	Marathon	New York City	1	2:28:06
1986	London Marathon	Marathon	London	1	2:24:54
1985	New York Marathon	Marathon	New York City	1	2:28:34
1984	New York Marathon	Marathon	New York City	1	2:29:30
1984	Olympic Games	Marathon	Los Angeles	2	2:26:18
1984	World Cross Country Champs	Seniors	East Rutherford	3	15:58
1983	New York Marathon	Marathon	New York City	1	2:27:00
1983	World Championships	Marathon	Helsinki	1	2:28:09
1983	London Marathon	Marathon	London	1	2:25:29	CR
1983	World Cross Country Champs	Seniors	Gateshead	1	13:29
1982	New York Marathon	Marathon	New York City	1	2:27:14
1982	World Cross Country Champs	Seniors	Rome	3	14:44
1981	World Cross Country Champs	Seniors	Madrid	1	14:07
1980	New York Marathon	Marathon	New York City	1	2:25:42	WR
1980	World Cross Country Champs	Seniors	Paris	1	15:05
1979	New York Marathon	Marathon	New York City	1	2:27:33	WR
1979	Continental Cup	3000m	Montreal	2	8:38.59
1979	World Cross Country Champs	Seniors	Limerick	1	16:48
1978	New York Marathon	Marathon	New York City	1	2:32:30	WR
1978	European Championships	3000m	Prague	3	8:34.3
1978	World Cross Country Champs	Seniors	Glasgow	1	16:19
1977	Continental Cup	3000m	Düsseldorf	1	8:43.5
1974	European Championships	1500m	Rome	3	4:05.2	NR

National results 1

1974 WAAA Championships · London 1 4:10.02