South African long-distance runner who set a women's 5000m world record at age 17 and competed barefoot for Great Britain at the 1984 Olympics.
Background
Born in Bloemfontein, South Africa, Zola Budd set an unofficial world record in the women’s 5000m in January 1984 during the apartheid-era sporting ban on South Africa.
Career
She was granted British citizenship due to her grandfather’s English roots and represented Great Britain at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where she famously collided with Mary Decker in the 3000m final. She returned to compete for South Africa after the country’s return to international sport.
Style of play
A small barefoot runner with a short, efficient stride, Budd preferred high-mileage training and was particularly suited to cross-country racing over uneven terrain.
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