Goucher finds mentor in track bronze medalist

The Portland Tribune, Jun 5, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

JENNINGS

As Kara Goucher motored around the Lewis & Clark track to an Olympic qualifying time in the 10,000 meters May 31, she saw a figure, then heard a familiar voice.

“It was Lynn Jennings,” Goucher says, smiling at the thought. “She was standing next to my coach (Alberto Salazar). I found myself listening to her.”

Jennings, one of America’s greatest female distance runners, moved to Portland in 2000 after a career that included three Olympic Games and a bronze medal in the 10,000 at Barcelona in ’92.

In that race, she set an American record (31:19.89) that stood for a decade, and she remains the only U.S. woman to win an Olympic medal at a distance over 800 meters. She is a three-time world cross-country champion and a member of the U.S. Track & Field Hall of Fame.

“She introduced herself to me at the New York City marathon last year,” Goucher says. “I couldn’t believe it. It’s pretty cool to meet someone like that. It’s crazy. When I was younger, she was the only woman runner I knew about.

“Lynn is such an inspiration. I don’t think she realizes how many women runners look up to her. She probably doesn’t have a clue.”

Jennings, who turns 48 on July 1, politely declined an interview request via e-mail.

“I consider my relationship with Kara to be a private one, and would prefer not to be interviewed about it,” she wrote. “I mentor several young elite middle-distance women, and my role is essentially a private one. … It was a treat to watch Kara run such a fine solo effort.”

–Kerry Eggers

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