Grete Waitz was a renowned Norwegian long-distance runner, celebrated for her remarkable achievements in marathon racing. Born on April 1, 1953, she gained international fame by winning the New York City Marathon nine times between 1978 and 1988, setting a world record in 1979. Waitz was also a successful competitor in other distances, including the 10,000 meters, where she won a silver medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics. In addition to her athletic prowess, Waitz was an advocate for women's sports and health. After retiring from competitive running, she focused on promoting fitness and wellness, inspiring many through her work as a coach and author. Grete Waitz passed away on April 19, 2011, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of athletics.