Desiree Linden

Desiree Linden (born May 9, 1983) is an American long-distance runner and marathon specialist who achieved a historic victory at the Boston Marathon in 2018, becoming the first American-born woman to win the race since 1985. This victory was a significant moment in American running, ending a 33-year drought for American women at Boston and sparking renewed interest in distance running in the United States. Linden has represented the United States in multiple Olympic Games, competing in marathon events at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio Olympics, demonstrating her consistent excellence at the highest levels of competition. Beyond her Olympic appearances, she has won numerous prestigious marathons and half-marathons, establishing herself as one of America's premier endurance athletes. Her running career has spanned more than two decades, marked by impressive consistency and resilience through injuries. Linden is known for her determination, work ethic, and mentorship of younger runners. She has been an advocate for women's participation in distance running and has inspired many American women to pursue marathoning. Her 2018 Boston Marathon victory came in challenging weather conditions and demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure on the world's stage. Beyond athletics, Linden is known for her humility and genuine love of running. She continues to compete and mentor in the running community.