With all the not-so-happy news that’s transpired in recent months, Americans really, really, really needed a hearty dose of positivity—and they got just that, courtesy of Shalane Flanagan, the fitness hero who’s brightening headlines after her major win yesterday.
It’s been 40 years since an American woman won the New York City Marathon, but Massachusetts-raised Flanagan finished in 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 53 seconds (a minute faster than the three-year reigning champ, Mary Keitany of Kenya). And the sentiment behind her finish-line happy tears kept flowing the rest of the day.
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was a little girl. It means a lot to me, to my family, and hopefully inspires the next generation of American women to just be patient. It took me seven years to do this, so a lot of work just went into this one moment.” —Shalane Flanagan
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was a little girl. It means a lot to me, to my family, and hopefully inspires the next generation of American women to just be patient,” Flanagan said after the race. “It took me seven years to do this, so a lot of work just went into this one moment.”
Obviously Flanagan wasn’t the only one overcome with emotion: Women everywhere felt those positive vibes, and some familiar names even took to Twitter to congratulate the champ. The world might be an…interesting…place right now, but this win is definitely giving everyone something to smile about.
These 3 Olympians are just as excited as you are about Flanagan’s win.
1. Kara Goucher
Having raised the bar for us Americans I can't think of anyone more deserving of this. @ShalaneFlanagan you are bringing us joy!!!
2. Desiree Linden
In tears. Thank you @ShalaneFlanagan for giving us something to believe in. Congratulations!
3. Courtney Frerichs
Wow, so happy for you @ShalaneFlanagan ❤️Thank you for always showing us what tough means and how to chase your dreams. Enjoy those donuts!?
These new probiotics could make you stronger. Or, if you’d rather just snack like a pro athlete, here’s how it’s done.
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