Zola Budd, now an assistant at Coastal Carolina, to run in South Carolina cross-country meet
By APThursday, September 3, 2009
Former Olympian Zola Budd to run in college meet
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Former track sensation Zola Budd will take part in South Carolina’s cross-country meet.
Budd is a former world champion and record holder at 5,000 meters. She now lives in Myrtle Beach and is an assistant coach for Coastal Carolina.
The South African was part of one of the most disputed moments in Olympic history. During the 3,000-meter final at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, Budd became entangled with Mary Decker, who tumbled to the track in tears.
Budd — who is 43 and goes by her married name of Pieterse — will run Friday with college athletes in the Gamecock Invitational, but her time won’t count in the competition. Other schools competing include Clemson, The Citadel, Presbyterian, Georgia Southern and South Carolina State.
