Joan Benoit Samuelson is an American long-distance runner, best known for winning the first women's Olympic marathon at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. She set a world record in the marathon in 1983, finishing the race in 2:22:43, which was a groundbreaking achievement for female athletes. Born on May 16, 1957, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Samuelson has been a prominent figure in women's sports. She has won numerous marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 1979 and 1983. Her contributions to athletics have inspired many women to pursue running and competitive sports.