Grete Waitz, who lost a six-year battle with cancer early today (April 19), was the world's most humble marathon superstar. She never, ever called attention to herself. But through her efforts and example, particularly in the New York City Marathon, which she won nine times, she turned the marathon into a worldwide, female-friendly urban phenomenon. Also, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grete_Waitz
Very sad--probably the forerunner of women's athletics, especially distance running. Even more, all she wanted to do was compete and run for the sport. She was revered in her homeland of Norway, and if she was American she would have been even bigger in the track and field circles. She could have been the first women's marathon winner in 1984 but that honor went to Joan Benoit. She'll be missed. At least, you knew who she was.
