The Official 2026 Public Vote

Your Vote Shapes the Hall

Explore the official candidates and cast your votes for the individuals you believe deserve a place in the United States Athletics Hall of Fame.

Joan Benoit

  • Contest: The US Athletics Hall of Fame - Athletes 2026
  • Embed from Getty Images
  • Sport(s): Track & Field
  • Statistics & Accolades: 1 Marathon Olympic Gold Medal (1984)
    2 Boston Marathon Wins (1979 & 1983)
    1 Chicago Marathon Win (1985)
    1 James E. Sullivan Award (1985)
    Member of the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame
  • Women had long since competed and excelled in marathon running before 1984, but it took until that year before it was recognized in the Olympics. That winner was Joan Benoit, who had established herself for years as one of the sport's best long-distance runners.

    Prior to 1984, she won the prestigious Boston Marathon twice (1979 & 1983) and also won in Auckland (1980) and the Nike OTC Marathon in 1982. Benoit rode that wave to Olympic Gold in 1984, and she would later win the Chicago Marathon in a record 2:21:21, a mark that stood for 18 years.

    To date, Benoit is still the most recognized and celebrated female marathon runner from the United States.

    We are proud to nominate Joan Benoit for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.
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