Joan Benoit Samuelson

Joan Benoit Samuelson is an American long-distance runner who won the first-ever women's Olympic marathon at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Born in New Jersey, she began running at a young age and went on to compete for over two decades. Joan is widely regarded as one of the greatest female distance runners of all time, holding multiple world records in her event. She was inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame in 1988. Currently, Joan lives in Maine where she continues to be involved in running and coaching.