Marathon champ Grete Waitz dead at 57

Grete Waitz won the New York City Marathon nine times, a feat that no woman -- or man -- has been able to match.

Grete Waitz, Norway’s most outstanding long-distance runner and “Queen of the New York City Marathon,” died in the early hours of Tuesday morning at the age of 57, after a long fight with cancer.

Waitz was a front-line campaigner for women participating in long distance running, and for the rights of women in general.

She won the New York City Marathon nine times (1978-80, 1982-86, and 1988), the London Marathon twice, and the Stockholm Marathon, in 1988.

She also won the silver medal at the 1984 Olympic Games, and World Championship gold in 1983.

She also set several world records during her career.

Waitz also was honored by King Harald with the Royal Norwegian Order of St.Olav First Class, for her importance as a positive role model.

Source: The Norway Post